Struggling with Fourier Series Coefficient Integral for PDE Solution?

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Homework Statement



The problem is in the solution to a PDE, the coefficient for the Fourier series is of some form like an=[tex]\frac{1}{a}[/tex][tex]\int cos(nx)cos(x) dx[/tex] over the interval -a to a.

Homework Equations



Orthogonality relations:

[tex]\int cos(nx) cos(mx) dx =[ 0, n \neq m, pi n=m \neq 0[/tex]

over the interval -pi to pi.

The Attempt at a Solution



Using the orthogonality relation I figured the answer would be 1/a*a for m=1, and 0 for [tex]n \neq m[/tex]. However for a particular problem the book says there is a solution for [tex]n \neq m[/tex]. Is there a better way to go about this particular integral?
 
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If a is not pi, then you can't use the orthogonality relation. This assumes your integral in step 1 is set up correctly. To evaluate it, just find the antiderivative and use FTC. Any decent table of integrals will have the antiderivative. There are two cases, n=1 and otherwise.
 
Billy Bob said:
If a is not pi, then you can't use the orthogonality relation. This assumes your integral in step 1 is set up correctly. To evaluate it, just find the antiderivative and use FTC. Any decent table of integrals will have the antiderivative. There are two cases, n=1 and otherwise.

Ah alright thanks very much.