Pointwise, uniform convergence of fourier series

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the pointwise and uniform convergence of Fourier sine series for specific functions defined on the interval (0, l). The functions analyzed include f(x) = x^3, f(x) = lx - x², and f(x) = x - 2. The key conclusions drawn are that f(x) = x^3 converges pointwise but not uniformly due to boundary conditions, while f(x) = lx - x² satisfies pointwise convergence but fails uniform convergence at x = 0. The discussion emphasizes the importance of boundary conditions in determining convergence properties.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Fourier series, specifically Fourier sine series.
  • Knowledge of pointwise and uniform convergence definitions.
  • Familiarity with continuity and piecewise continuity of functions.
  • Basic understanding of convergence theorems related to Fourier series.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of boundary conditions on Fourier series convergence.
  • Learn about the Dirichlet conditions for Fourier series convergence.
  • Explore the differences between pointwise and uniform convergence in depth.
  • Investigate the role of continuity in the convergence of Fourier series.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students studying real analysis, and anyone interested in the convergence properties of Fourier series will benefit from this discussion.

lilphy
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Hello;
I'm struggling with pointwise and uniform convergence, I think that examples are going to help me understand

Homework Statement


Consider the Fourier sine series of each of the following functions. In this exercise de not compute the coefficients but use the general convergence theorems to discuss convergence of each of the series pointwise, uniform and L² senses
1. f(x)=x^3 on (0,l)
2.f(x)=lx-x² on (0,l)
3.f(x)=x-2 on (0,l)

Homework Equations


Theorems:

1-Uniform convergence : The Fourier series Σ An Xn(x) converges to f(x) uniformly on [a, b] provided that
(i) f (x), f' (x), and f"(x) exist and are continuous for a ≤ x ≤ b and
(ii) f (x) satisfies the given boundary conditions

2-Pointwise Convergence of Classical Fourier Series
(i) The classical Fourier series (full or sine or cosine) converges to f(x) pointwise on (a, b) provided that f(x) is a continuous function on a ≤ x ≤ b and f '(x) is piecewise continuous on a ≤ x ≤ b.
(ii) More generally, if f(x) itself is only piecewise continuous on a ≤ x ≤ b and f '(x) is also piecewise continuous on a ≤ x ≤ b, then the classical Fourier series converges at every point x(−∞ < x < ∞).
The sum is
Σ An Xn(x) = 1/2 [ f (x+) + f (x−)] for all a < x < b.

The Attempt at a Solution


a/ f(x)=x^3 is an odd function so the Fourier serie is
∑bn sin(nπx/l)
It satisfies the condition (i) of theorem 1 but not (ii) because at x=0 and x=l the serie is 0 so it doesn't satisfy the boundary conditions
And it satisfies (i) of theorem 2 so it converges pointwise to x^3 on (0,l)

b/ f(x)=lx-x²
∑(ancos(nπx/l)+bn sin(nπx/l)
It satisfies condition (i) of theorem 1 but how can we know for (ii) at x=0 and l f(x)=0 but the serie at x=0 is equal to ∑an and to ∑(-1)nan at x=l.
And it satisfies (i) of theorem 2 so it converges pointwise to f(x) on (0,l)

x/
Doesn't converge at x=0 so it doesn't converge uniformly but converge pointwise

Thanks
 
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lilphy said:
Hello;
I'm struggling with pointwise and uniform convergence, I think that examples are going to help me understand

Homework Statement


Consider the Fourier sine series of each of the following functions. In this exercise de not compute the coefficients but use the general convergence theorems to discuss convergence of each of the series pointwise, uniform and L² senses
1. f(x)=x^3 on (0,l)
2.f(x)=lx-x² on (0,l)
3.f(x)=x-2 on (0,l)

Homework Equations


Theorems:

1-Uniform convergence : The Fourier series Σ An Xn(x) converges to f(x) uniformly on [a, b] provided that
(i) f (x), f' (x), and f"(x) exist and are continuous for a ≤ x ≤ b and
(ii) f (x) satisfies the given boundary conditions

2-Pointwise Convergence of Classical Fourier Series
(i) The classical Fourier series (full or sine or cosine) converges to f(x) pointwise on (a, b) provided that f(x) is a continuous function on a ≤ x ≤ b and f '(x) is piecewise continuous on a ≤ x ≤ b.
(ii) More generally, if f(x) itself is only piecewise continuous on a ≤ x ≤ b and f '(x) is also piecewise continuous on a ≤ x ≤ b, then the classical Fourier series converges at every point x(−∞ < x < ∞).
The sum is
Σ An Xn(x) = 1/2 [ f (x+) + f (x−)] for all a < x < b.

The Attempt at a Solution


a/ f(x)=x^3 is an odd function so the Fourier serie is
∑bn sin(nπx/l)
It satisfies the condition (i) of theorem 1 but not (ii) because at x=0 and x=l the serie is 0 so it doesn't satisfy the boundary conditions
And it satisfies (i) of theorem 2 so it converges pointwise to x^3 on (0,l)

b/ f(x)=lx-x²
∑(ancos(nπx/l)+bn sin(nπx/l)

It satisfies condition (i) of theorem 1 but how can we know for (ii) at x=0 and l f(x)=0 but the serie at x=0 is equal to ∑an and to ∑(-1)nan at x=l.
And it satisfies (i) of theorem 2 so it converges pointwise to f(x) on (0,l)

If a function defined on [0,l] doesn't satisfy f(0) = f(l) then its Fourier series will have poor convergence properties. However if you find that the Fourier series doesn't satisfy that condition then you are doing something wrong. Here your error is that the series should be \sum a_n \cos (2n\pi x/l) + b_n \sin (2n \pi x / l).
 

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