Where did I go wrong in computing Fourier Series for f(x)=x^2 on [-\pi,\pi]?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around computing the Fourier coefficients for the function f(x) = x^2 on the interval [-π, π] and applying Dirichlet's Theorem to analyze the convergence of the Fourier series. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the convergence and the relationship to the series sum of 1/n^2.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to compute the Fourier coefficients and questions the application of Dirichlet's Theorem regarding continuity and convergence at endpoints. Other participants raise concerns about the correctness of the computed coefficients and the treatment of negative indices in the series.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the original poster's reasoning, providing guidance on potential errors in the computation of coefficients and the summation process. There is a recognition of the need to consider both positive and negative indices in the Fourier series.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes that the problem is part of a series of similar questions, indicating a broader context of learning and application of Fourier series concepts. There is mention of a specific textbook reference that may not fully cover the necessary details for the problem at hand.

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Homework Statement


Let f(x) = x^2 on [-\pi,\pi]. Computer the Fourier Coefficients of the 2π-periodic extension of f. Use Dirichlet's Theorem to determine where the Fourier Series of f converges. Use the previous two conclusions to show that \sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{1}{n^2} = \frac{\pi^2}{6}

Homework Equations


My book (baby Rudin) uses
c_n = \frac{1}{2\pi} \int_{-\pi}^\pi f(x) e^{-inx} dx
as the equation for the coefficients of the series.

The Attempt at a Solution


My main problem is the last part, but I'm sure it's rooted in another piece of the puzzle. I've found that
c_n = \frac{2(-1)^n}{n^2}
for n ≠ 0 via Maple and
c_0 = \frac{\pi^2}{3}
by computation.

My book doesn't actually have anything I can see called "Dirichlet's Theorem", but I found a paper that said if f(x) was continuous then the series would converge to that point, otherwise it would converge to the midpoint of the jump discontinuity. Is this right?
If so, then the series ought to converge at every point, even the endpoints, because x^2 is continuous and even. So then we'd have, because \exp(i n \pi) = (-1)^n, that'd cancel the (-1)^n in the series and thus given the equation
\frac{\pi^2}{3} + 2\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{1}{n^2} = \pi^2 = f(\pi)
but that doesn't work out too well.Where'd I go wrong?

This is the first of four almost identical problems, but if I can do one I can do them all. Thanks for any input.
 
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δοτ said:

Homework Statement


Let f(x) = x^2 on [-\pi,\pi]. Computer the Fourier Coefficients of the 2π-periodic extension of f. Use Dirichlet's Theorem to determine where the Fourier Series of f converges. Use the previous two conclusions to show that \sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{1}{n^2} = \frac{\pi^2}{6}


Homework Equations


My book (baby Rudin) uses
c_n = \frac{1}{2\pi} \int_{-\pi}^\pi f(x) e^{-inx} dx
as the equation for the coefficients of the series.


The Attempt at a Solution


My main problem is the last part, but I'm sure it's rooted in another piece of the puzzle. I've found that
c_n = \frac{2(-1)^n}{n^2}
for n ≠ 0 via Maple and
c_0 = \frac{\pi^2}{3}
by computation.

My book doesn't actually have anything I can see called "Dirichlet's Theorem", but I found a paper that said if f(x) was continuous then the series would converge to that point, otherwise it would converge to the midpoint of the jump discontinuity. Is this right?
If so, then the series ought to converge at every point, even the endpoints, because x^2 is continuous and even. So then we'd have, because \exp(i n \pi) = (-1)^n, that'd cancel the (-1)^n in the series and thus given the equation
\frac{\pi^2}{3} + 2\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{1}{n^2} = \pi^2 = f(\pi)
but that doesn't work out too well.


Where'd I go wrong?

This is the first of four almost identical problems, but if I can do one I can do them all. Thanks for any input.

Check your value for c0. I think it's wrong.
 
I'm positive it's correct.
\frac{1}{2\pi} \left(\frac{\pi^3}{3} - \frac{(-\pi)^3}{3}\right) = \frac{1}{2\pi} * \frac{2\pi^3}{3} = \frac{\pi^2}{3}
 
δοτ said:
I'm positive it's correct.
\frac{1}{2\pi} \left(\frac{\pi^3}{3} - \frac{(-\pi)^3}{3}\right) = \frac{1}{2\pi} * \frac{2\pi^3}{3} = \frac{\pi^2}{3}

Oh yeah, you are right. Now I'm thinking you forgot to sum over the negative values of n as well. How about that?
 
Yea, I think that's totally the problem. In the book they kind of glossed over that the negatives disappeared at some point and a coefficient of 2 popped out front. But the negative sums would be the same as the positive sums here because c_n is even.

Thanks for guiding me to my error.
 

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