What is the value of the even sum in the Fourier series for |sin x|?

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The discussion revolves around finding the value of a specific sum related to the Fourier series of the function |sin x|. Participants are exploring the relationship between different series and their convergence properties.

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  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the derivation of the first sum and its implications for the second sum. There are attempts to relate the sums through expansions and identities, with some questioning the validity of squaring terms under the summation.

Discussion Status

The conversation includes various approaches to tackle the problem, with some participants suggesting the use of Parseval's identity and others exploring the implications of known series sums. There is an ongoing exploration of how to evaluate the sums involving inverse squares, indicating a productive exchange of ideas without a clear consensus yet.

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Participants are working within the constraints of deriving results from established series and identities, while also addressing potential complications in the calculations.

standardflop
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Hi,

by calculating the Fourier series for |sin x| it was found that,
[tex]\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac 1{(2n-1)(2n+1)}=1/2[/tex].
How can i find the value of -
[tex]\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac 1{(2n-1)^2(2n+1)^2}[/tex] ?

Thanks
 
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I assume you found the value of the first sum by expanding each term to get a series where almost every term cancels. Use the same expansion, but now you need to square it. Expanding the square will give you three terms, one of which is just the original series, and the other two involve sums of the odd inverse squares, ie, 1+1/3^2+1/5^2+... . These can be found by noting that the sum of all inverse squares is pi^2/6, and you can take a common factor out of the even squares to get their value, and subtract this to get the sum you want.
 
StatusX said:
I assume you found the value of the first sum by expanding each term to get a series where almost every term cancels.
No, actually, i found that

[tex]|\sin x| = \frac 2{\pi} - \frac 4{\pi} \sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{\cos (2nx)}{(2n+1)(2n-1)}, \forall x \in \mathbb{R}[/tex]
and used this for x=0. But you can't "just" sqare under the 'sum', right?
 
The expansion I thought you used was:

[tex]\frac{1}{(2n+1)(2n-1)} = \frac{1}{2} \left( \frac{1}{2n-1}-\frac{1}{2n+1} \right)[/tex]

This cancels at every term except the first. By squaring this, you get a term that looks like the original series and two other terms involving odd squares.
 
How about Parseval's identity?

[tex]\frac{1}{\pi}\int_{-\pi}^{\pi} |f(x)|^2dx = \frac{a_0^2}{2}+\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}(a_n^2+b_n^2)[/tex]
 
StatusX said:
These can be found by noting that the sum of all inverse squares is pi^2/6, and you can take a common factor out of the even squares to get their value, and subtract this to get the sum you want.
Alright, then if i got it right, you mean to say that

[tex]\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac 1{(2n-1)^2(2n+1)^2} = -2 \sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{1}{(2n-1)(2n+1)} + \sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac 1{(2n-1)^2}+\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac 1{(2n+1)^2}[/tex]
How how do you evaluate the two inverse squared sums... seems like i just got two ekstra problems? :)
 
Right. Now use the fact that:

[tex]\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n^2} = \frac{\pi^2}{6}[/tex]

Find the even sum by taking out a common factor and then subtract this from the above value.
 

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