Undergrad Infinite series of trigonometric terms

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on approximating an infinite series constructed from trigonometric terms, specifically starting with the terms \(\frac{cos(x/2)}{cos(y/2)}\) and \(\frac{cos(x/2)}{cos(y/2)} - \frac{sin(x/2)}{sin(y/2)}\). Participants explore the potential for these terms to form a recognizable pattern or limit, with references to Fourier series as a possible solution. The goal is to identify mathematical identities that provide a compact representation of the series and its limit as it approaches infinity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric functions and their properties
  • Familiarity with infinite series and convergence concepts
  • Knowledge of Fourier series and their applications
  • Basic skills in mathematical notation and limits
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of Fourier series and their convergence
  • Explore mathematical identities related to sine and cosine series
  • Study the concept of limits in infinite series
  • Investigate compact representations of infinite series
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students studying calculus or analysis, and anyone interested in the properties of infinite trigonometric series.

DeathbyGreen
Messages
83
Reaction score
15
I'm trying to make an approximation to a series I'm generating; the series is constructed as follows:
Term 1:
<br /> \left[\frac{cos(x/2)}{cos(y/2)}\right]<br />

Term 2:
<br /> \left[\frac{cos(x/2)}{cos(y/2)}-\frac{sin(x/2)}{sin(y/2)}\right]<br />

I'm not sure yet if the series repeats itself or forms a pattern; but if it continues to add terms proportional to sine and cosine half angle fractions, are there any series I could use to express an infinite number of these types of terms as an exact form? I've looked at a Fourier series but I'm not sure it would work. Thank you!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
There is an infinite set of series that (a) have these two initial terms, (b) have a relatively compact way to write down their terms and (c) have an exact and compact way to write down their limit. I'm not sure if you ask for (b) or (c), but both together are possible as well.

What is your actual problem that you want to solve?
 
  • Like
Likes DeathbyGreen
Thanks for the quick reply! The problem I'm trying to solve is complicated, but I'm just looking for mathematical identities. Which set of series are you referring to? I'm looking for (c), the limit as the series goes to infinity, but a nice compact way to write down the terms (b) would be nice too!
 
You don't constrain your series at all. All following terms could be zero. That makes it trivial to evaluate the limit.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K