How Do You Calculate the Sum of a Fourier Series at Specific Points?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the sum of a Fourier series for a piecewise function defined on the intervals \(0 < x < \pi\) and \(-\pi < x < 0\). The specific points of interest are \(x = \frac{3\pi}{2}\) and \(x = \pi\), with the Fourier series provided for the function.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the simplification of sine functions at specific points, particularly \(\sin(n \frac{3\pi}{2})\) and \(\sin(n \pi)\). There is uncertainty about how to approach the summation for these values.

Discussion Status

Some participants have suggested using properties of sine functions to simplify the problem, while others have raised questions about convergence and the application of convergence theorems related to Fourier series. There is an exploration of whether the series can be summed directly or if alternative methods should be employed.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the Dirichlet conditions and convergence theorems, indicating that the problem may involve considerations of continuity and discontinuity in the function being analyzed.

ensten
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Homework Statement


[itex] h(x)=\left\{\begin{matrix}<br /> 9+2x , 0<x<\pi\\ -9+2x , -pi<x<0<br /> <br /> \end{matrix}\right.<br /> \\<br /> Find \ the \ sum \ of \ the \ Fourier \ series \ for \ x=\frac{3\pi}{2} and\ x=\pi<br /> \\<br /> The \ Fourier \ series \ is:<br /> \\<br /> h(x)=9+\pi + \sum_{n=1}^{inf} \frac{18-2(9+2\pi)(-1)^2}{n\pi}sin(nx)[/itex]
Also period is 2pi.

The Attempt at a Solution


I have already calculated the Fourier series. I however don't know how I can find the sum for the x's. I have searched the internet and looked in my book but I can't find any examples that help me. I'm stuck and don't know how to go from here.
 
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Can you simplify [itex]\sin(n \frac{3\pi}{2})[/itex] and [itex]\sin(n \pi)[/itex]?
 
jbunniii said:
Can you simplify [itex]\sin(n \frac{3\pi}{2})[/itex] and [itex]\sin(n \pi)[/itex]?

[itex]\sin(n \frac{3\pi}{2})[/itex] changes for different n's. Example: -1, 0 and 1. So I don't know how to simplify that. However [itex]\sin(n \pi)[/itex] will always be 0 for all n.
 
[itex]\sin(n \frac{3\pi}{2})[/itex] is zero for even [itex]n[/itex]. Try a change of variables so that you will only sum over the odd values of [itex]n[/itex].
 
jbunniii said:
[itex]\sin(n \frac{3\pi}{2})[/itex] is zero for even [itex]n[/itex]. Try a change of variables so that you will only sum over the odd values of [itex]n[/itex].

I don't quite understand how to do that. I tried the sum function at wolframalpha and I get that it doesn't converge.
 
ensten said:

Homework Statement


[itex] h(x)=\left\{\begin{matrix}<br /> 9+2x , 0<x<\pi\\ -9+2x , -pi<x<0<br /> <br /> \end{matrix}\right.<br /> \\<br /> Find \ the \ sum \ of \ the \ Fourier \ series \ for \ x=\frac{3\pi}{2} and\ x=\pi<br /> \\<br /> The \ Fourier \ series \ is:<br /> \\<br /> h(x)=9+\pi + \sum_{n=1}^{inf} \frac{18-2(9+2\pi)(-1)^2}{n\pi}sin(nx)[/itex]
Also period is 2pi.

The Attempt at a Solution


I have already calculated the Fourier series. I however don't know how I can find the sum for the x's. I have searched the internet and looked in my book but I can't find any examples that help me. I'm stuck and don't know how to go from here.

You don't work this kind of problem by actually summing the series. You use the convergence theorem. Doesn't your text have a theorem something to the effect that for a periodic function f(x) satisfying the Dirichlet conditions the series converges to f(x) at points where f is continuous and to ##\frac {f(x^+) + f(x^-)} 2## at points ##x## where there is a jump discontinuity? So you can answer the question by examining the periodic extension of ##f(x)##. In fact, you don't even need to calculate the Fourier Series to answer the question.
 

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