Proving the Fourier Coefficients of f' Using Periodic Functions | Homework Help

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves proving a relationship between the Fourier coefficients of a periodic function and its derivative. Specifically, it examines how the Fourier coefficients of the derivative f' relate to those of the original function f, given that f is periodic with a period of 2π and that f' is continuous on the interval [-π, π].

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss integration by parts as a method to derive the Fourier coefficients of f'. There are attempts to evaluate the integral involving f' and its relationship to the coefficients ak and bk of f. Questions arise regarding the evaluation of boundary terms and the implications of periodicity on these terms.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, exploring different aspects of the integration process and questioning the assumptions made about the periodic function. Some guidance is offered regarding the evaluation of terms, particularly concerning the periodic nature of f and its implications for the calculations.

Contextual Notes

There is an ongoing discussion about the correct evaluation of boundary terms in the integration by parts process, with some participants noting potential errors in the original poster's calculations. The periodicity of the function f is a critical aspect being examined, particularly how it affects the evaluation of f at the boundaries of the integration interval.

Kuma
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Homework Statement



Hi there.

The question is:

if f(x) is a periodic function with period 2pi and the derivative is f'(x) continuous on [-pi, pi]

show that the Fourier coefficients of f' are kbk and -kak if the Fourier coefficients of f are ak and bk respectively.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



This is my attempt. Doesn't quite get there:

so ak' = 1/2pi int from -pi to pi of f'(x) cos kx dx

use parts:
f'(x) = du
f(x) = u
cos kx = v
-1/k sin kx = dv

i get

1/2pi[f(x) cos kx/k + 1/k int from -pi to pi f(x) sin kx]

of course the integral in the parts equation is just bk, and the f(x) cos kx/k evaluated from pi to -pi just becomes 2f(pi)cos kpi.

So then I'm left with.

1/pi[f(pi)cos k pi + (1/k)bk]

I guess I can write it as

[(-1)^k f(pi) + (1/k) bk]/pi

What did i do wrong??
 
Last edited:
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Kuma said:

Homework Statement



Hi there.

The question is:

if f(x) is a periodic function with period 2pi and the derivative is f'(x) continuous on [-pi, pi]

show that the Fourier coefficients of f' are kbk and -kak if the Fourier coefficients of f are ak and bk respectively.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



This is my attempt. Doesn't quite get there:

so ak' = 1/2pi int from -pi to pi of f'(x) cos kx dx

use parts:
f'(x) = du
f(x) = u
cos kx = v
-1/k sin kx = dv

i get

1/2pi[f(x) cos kx/k + 1/k int from -pi to pi f(x) sin kx]

of course the integral in the parts equation is just bk, and the f(x) cos kx/k evaluated from pi to -pi just becomes 2f(pi)cos kpi.

So then I'm left with.

1/pi[f(pi)cos k pi + (1/k)bk]

I guess I can write it as

[(-1)^k f(pi) + (1/k) bk]/pi

What did i do wrong??

E.g. f(x) evaluated from -pi to pi is f(pi)-f(-pi). That's not 2f(pi).
 
Dick said:
E.g. f(x) evaluated from -pi to pi is f(pi)-f(-pi). That's not 2f(pi).

isn't it f(pi) cos kpi - f(-pi) cos -kpi

I wasn't sure how to evaluate that, with k odd i think -2f(pi) and even its 2f(pi) isn't it?
 
Kuma said:
isn't it f(pi) cos kpi - f(-pi) cos -kpi

I wasn't sure how to evaluate that, with k odd i think -2f(pi) and even its 2f(pi) isn't it?

No. f is periodic. So f(-pi)=f(pi) and cos(kpi)=cos(-kpi), right?
 
Oh right. So then the first term is 0?
But then I'm still left with (1/k pi)(bk).
 
Kuma said:
Oh right. So then the first term is 0?
But then I'm still left with (1/k pi)(bk).

In your integration by parts you've got v=cos(kx). Then dv=(-k*sin(kx))dx. Not 1/k. And the pi should have been included into definition of bk.
 

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