Solving Complex Fourier Series Problem - Help Needed!

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a complex Fourier series problem, specifically focusing on the manipulation of exponential terms within the series. Participants are seeking clarification on specific steps and identities involved in the calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion regarding a step in the complex Fourier series involving addition and subtraction of exponentials.
  • Another participant identifies a potential error in a textbook, suggesting that a line should read differently and points out that a term simplifies to zero for integer values of "n".
  • A participant shares their working out in response to the clarification, seeking validation of their approach and the use of trigonometric identities.
  • Another participant suggests a correction regarding the use of trigonometric identities, indicating that a sine identity was miswritten.
  • A participant acknowledges the mistake in their previous identity notation and expresses gratitude for the assistance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correctness of the original text's notation, as one participant claims it is a typo while others provide corrections and clarifications. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the final correctness of the identities used.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved issues regarding the accuracy of the textbook's expressions and the proper use of trigonometric identities, which depend on the context of the problem.

Jag1972
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Hello Folks,
I have a problem understanding a step of the complex Fourier series; it’s a step which involves simple addition and subtraction of exponentials (regrettably not simple for me).
I have attached a picture of the step I am having a problem with would really appreciate if someone could point me in the right direction.
Jag.
 

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    ourier.JPG
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Yes there is indeed an error in that text, and it's in the line immediately following the one you marked with an asterisk.

The line following the one you marked should read (for simplicity I'll just give the bracketed part of the expression) :

[tex]( \, \, 2\, \exp(j n \pi/2) - 2\, \exp(-j n \pi/2) - [ \exp(j n \pi) - \exp(-j n \pi) ] \, \, )[/tex]

This is simply collecting like terms right. Note however that for integer "n" that exp(j n Pi) is equal to exp(-j n Pi) so the "[]" term on the end goes to zero leaving just :

[tex](\, 2\,\exp(j n \pi/2) - 2\,\exp(-j n \pi/2) \, )[/tex]

This is what should have been shown in the bracketed term of the line following the one you indicated. Note that the book has a typo where they used Pi instead of Pi/2, but the Pi/2 magically reappears correctly in the final answer that follows.

So essentially it's just a typo on the part of the book. Does that clear it up for you?
 
Last edited:
UART: Thank you very much I was pulling my hair out trying to work it out. I have attached my working out following your reply is this right (I have shown the trig identities). Thanks :)
 

Attachments

UART: I have attached it as a JPEG as I think you may have to save the PDF to open.
 

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  • Fourier.JPG
    Fourier.JPG
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Almost right.

Where you wrote :

"where cos(q) = (exp(jq) + exp(-jq))/2"

it would have made a lot more sense if you had of written :

"where j sin(q) = (exp(jq) - exp(-jq))/2
 
UART: Thanks again I wrote the wrong identity down doh! Its got to be sin[tex]\theta[/tex]

Thanks again UART :)
 

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