Please help me find Fourier series mistake

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the Fourier sine series expansion of the Dirac delta function $\delta(x-a)$ within the half-interval (0,L), specifically addressing the correct formulation of the coefficients and the implications of the interval length on the integration process.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the use of $\frac{L}{2}$ in the interval for the Fourier sine series expansion, suggesting that it should also apply to the sine term in the coefficient formula.
  • Another participant provides the formula for the coefficients $b_n$ but does not clarify the discrepancy regarding the interval length.
  • A later reply introduces a related concept about even functions and their integrals, which may imply a connection to the use of intervals in the Fourier series context.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the application of the interval length in the context of the Fourier sine series, indicating that multiple views on the correct formulation remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of clarity on the assumptions regarding the interval length and its impact on the sine term in the coefficient formula, which may affect the integration process.

Who May Find This Useful

Students preparing for exams in Fourier analysis or those interested in the mathematical treatment of the Dirac delta function in series expansions.

ognik
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Find the Fourier sin series expansion of dirac delta function $\delta(x-a)$ in the half-interval (0,L), (0 < a < L):

Now $b_n = \frac{1}{L} \int_0^L f(x)sin \frac{n \pi x}{L}dx $ - but L should be $\frac{L}{2}$ for this exercise...

So I would get $ \frac{2}{L} \int_0^L f(x)sin \frac{n \pi x}{\frac{L}{2}}dx $ - but the book shows $ \frac{2}{L} \int_0^L \delta(x-a)sin \frac{n \pi x}{L}dx $

I believed that the interval was $ \frac{2}{L}$ - what am I missing please?
 
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ognik said:
Find the Fourier sin series expansion of dirac delta function $\delta(x-a)$ in the half-interval (0,L), (0 < a < L):

Now $b_n = \frac{1}{L} \int_0^L f(x)sin \frac{n \pi x}{L}dx $

The formula for the coefficients $b_n$ is $$b_n=\frac{2}{L}\int_{0}^Lf(x)\sin \left (\frac{n\pi x}{L}\right )dx$$
 
My question is - why does the formula use $\frac{L}{2}$ as the interval before the integration $(\frac{2}{L} \int ...)$ but not also use $\frac{L}{2}$ in divisor of the sin term which I understand is also the interval?

(Given that I am writing the exam in a couple of hours, a quick reply would be appreciated :-) )
 
It is related to the fact that for an even function $g(x)$ it holds that

$$ \int_{-a}^a g({x}) d x = 2 \int_0^a g ({x}) d x$$
 

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