Sum of a finite exponential series

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the sum of a finite exponential series, specifically the expression \(\sum_{n=-N}^{N}e^{-j \omega n}\) and its proposed rewritten form. Participants are examining the validity of the transformation and the role of the exponential term in front of the fraction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the geometric series formula and question how the sum starting from \(n=-N\) affects the transformation. There is also a focus on the sign of the exponential term and its implications for the overall expression.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights and questioning each other's reasoning. Some have suggested making variable substitutions to clarify the transformation, while others are reflecting on their own calculations and potential errors.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on ensuring that transformations applied to the limits of the sum are consistently applied to the variable in the summand. Participants are also considering the implications of the starting index of the sum on the overall expression.

ElfenKiller
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Homework Statement



Given is \sum_{n=-N}^{N}e^{-j \omega n} = e^{-j\omega N} \frac{1-e^{-j \omega (2N+1)}}{1 - e^{-j\omega}}. I do not see how you can rewrite it like that.

Homework Equations



Sum of a finite geometric series: \sum_{n=0}^{N}r^n=\frac{1-r^{N+1}}{1-r}

The Attempt at a Solution



Or is the above result based on this more general equation: \sum_{n=0}^{N}ar^n=a\frac{1-r^{N+1}}{1-r}? Although I think the equation in (2) is just this equation for a=1, right?

So, I know how to get to the 2nd term in (1), i.e., \frac{1-e^{-j \omega (2N+1)}}{1 - e^{-j\omega}}, but I have no idea why it is multiplied by the term e^{-j\omega N}.
 
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Did you notice that the sum you are trying to compute actually starts from n=-N and not n=0? I think you can get the answer you want by making a change of variable and then using the geometric series equation you have identified.
 
Last edited:
danago said:
Did you notice that the sum you are trying to compute actually starts from n=-N and not n=0? I think you can get the answer you want by making a change of variable and then using the geometric series equation have identified.

Yes, I've noticed that it starts there. That's why I thought it can be rewritten as \frac{1−e^{-j\omega(2N+1)}}{1−e^{−jω}}, but the solution states that this fraction is multiplied by e^{−jωN}.
 
Are you sure that the exponential term in front of the fraction does have a negative sign? I just tried doing the working and ended up with a positive sign, i.e.:

\sum^{N}_{n=-N} e^{-j\omega n} = e^{j\omega N} \frac{1-e^{-j\omega(2N+1)}}{1-e^{-j\omega}}

I did it by making the substitution \phi=n+N. I will check my working again.

EDIT: I have checked over my working and have convinced myself that the negative should not be there. It is late here so i could easily have made a mistake though :-p
 
Last edited:
danago said:
Are you sure that the exponential term in front of the fraction does have a negative sign? I just tried doing the working and ended up with a positive sign, i.e.:

\sum^{N}_{n=-N} e^{-j\omega n} = e^{j\omega N} \frac{1-e^{-j\omega(2N+1)}}{1-e^{-j\omega}}

I did it by making the substitution \phi=n+N. I will check my working again.

EDIT: I have checked over my working and have convinced myself that the negative should not be there. It is late here so i could easily have made a mistake though :-p

Okay, thank you. For me, it is not about the sign in the exponent. I do not see why we have to multiply by the term in front of the fraction. But I think I rewrote the equation in the wrong way. Can you give me your steps?
 
You have transformed the upper and lower limits of the sum, however you have not applied the same transformation to the variable n in the summand.

If \phi=n+N, then the new limits of the sum will be \phi=0 and \phi=2N. You must then also replace the 'n' in the summand with n=\phi-N. If you do this then you will get the right answer.

EDIT:
The transformed sum will be:

\sum^{2N}_{\phi=0} e^{-j\omega (\phi-N)} = e^{j\omega N} \frac{1-e^{-j\omega(2N+1)}}{1-e^{-j\omega}}
 
Maybe it will be easier to understand if we look at why what you did isn't quite correct.

\sum^{N}_{n=-N} e^{n} = e^{-N}+e^{-N+1}+...+1+e^1+...+e^{N-1}+e^N

\sum^{2N}_{n=0} e^{n} = 1+e^{1}+...+e^{2N-1}+e^{2N}

See how they are not the same?
 
Ah, I see the problem now. Thanks!
 
ElfenKiller said:
Ah, I see the problem now. Thanks!

No problem! :smile:
 

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