Calculating Fourier Coefficients for $f(\theta) = \theta^2$ on $[-\pi, \pi]$

In summary, we have the following equation for $f(\theta)$:$f(\theta) = \theta^2$ when $-\pi < \theta\leq \pi$
  • #1
Dustinsfl
2,281
5
We have $f(\theta) = \theta^2$ for $-\pi < \theta\leq \pi$.

$$
a_0 = \frac{1}{\pi}\int_{-\pi}^{\pi}\theta^2 d\theta = \frac{2\pi^2}{3}
$$

$$
a_n = \frac{1}{\pi}\left[\left.\frac{\theta^2}{n}\sin n\theta\right|_{-\pi}^{\pi}-\frac{1}{n}\left[\left.\frac{-\theta}{n}\cos n\theta\right|_{-\pi}^{\pi}+\int_{-\pi}^{\pi}\cos n\theta d\theta\right]\right] = \frac{2}{n\pi}\left[\pi^2\sin n\pi - \frac{1}{n}\sin n\pi\right]
$$

However, since I have only sine, all the coefficients would be zero. Is that correct?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
dwsmith said:
We have $f(\theta) = \theta^2$ for $-\pi < \theta\leq \pi$.

$$
a_0 = \frac{1}{\pi}\int_{-\pi}^{\pi}\theta^2 d\theta = \frac{2\pi^2}{3}
$$

$$
a_n = \frac{1}{\pi}\left[\left.\frac{\theta^2}{n}\sin n\theta\right|_{-\pi}^{\pi}-\frac{1}{n}\left[\left.\frac{-\theta}{n}\cos n\theta\right|_{-\pi}^{\pi}+\int_{-\pi}^{\pi}\cos n\theta d\theta\right]\right] = \frac{2}{n\pi}\left[\pi^2\sin n\pi - \frac{1}{n}\sin n\pi\right]
$$

However, since I have only sine, all the coefficients would be zero. Is that correct?

I should have this instead
$$\frac{1}{\pi}\left[\frac{2\pi^2}{n}\sin n\pi - \frac{1}{n}\left[\frac{-2\pi}{n}\cos n\pi - \frac{2}{n}\sin n\pi\right]\right]= \frac{2}{n^2}(-1)^n =
\begin{cases}
\frac{2}{n^2} & \text{if n even}\\
\frac{-2}{n^2} & \text{if n odd}
\end{cases}
$$

Correct?
 
  • #3
dwsmith said:
We have $f(\theta) = \theta^2$ for $-\pi < \theta\leq \pi$.

$$
a_0 = \frac{1}{\pi}\int_{-\pi}^{\pi}\theta^2 d\theta = \frac{2\pi^2}{3}
$$

$$
a_n = \frac{1}{\pi}\left[\left.\frac{\theta^2}{n}\sin n\theta\right|_{-\pi}^{\pi}-\frac{1}{n}\left[\left.\frac{-\theta}{n}\color{red}{\cos n\theta}\right|_{-\pi}^{\pi}+\int_{-\pi}^{\pi}\cos n\theta d\theta\right]\right] = \frac{2}{n\pi}\left[\pi^2\sin n\pi - \frac{1}{n}\sin n\pi\right]
$$

However, since I have only sine, all the coefficients would be zero. Is that correct?
You don't "have only sine"!
 
  • #4
Opalg said:
You don't "have only sine"!

I made the correction is post 2.
Is this the solution?
$$
\frac{\pi^2}{3} + 2\sum_{n = 1}^{\infty}\left[\frac{(-1)^n}{n}\cos n\theta\right].
$$
 
  • #5
dwsmith said:
I made the correction is post 2. (I didn't see that when making my previous post.)
Is this the solution?
$$
\frac{\pi^2}{3} + 2\sum_{n = 1}^{\infty}\left[\frac{(-1)^n}{n}\cos n\theta\right].
$$
Correct except that I think that the 2 should be a 4. It looks as though you left out the 2 in the derivative of $\theta^2$, when doing the integration by parts.
 

FAQ: Calculating Fourier Coefficients for $f(\theta) = \theta^2$ on $[-\pi, \pi]$

What is a Fourier coefficient?

A Fourier coefficient is a mathematical term used in Fourier analysis to describe the contribution of a particular frequency component to a given signal. It represents the magnitude and phase of the component.

What is theta^2 in Fourier coefficients?

Theta^2 is a specific Fourier coefficient that refers to the contribution of a particular frequency component to the overall signal. It is calculated by taking the squared magnitude of the coefficient and can provide insights into the strength and importance of that frequency component in the signal.

How is theta^2 calculated?

Theta^2 is calculated by taking the squared magnitude of the Fourier coefficient. The magnitude of a Fourier coefficient is equal to the square root of the sum of the squares of the real and imaginary parts of the coefficient. Therefore, theta^2 is equal to the sum of the squares of the real and imaginary parts of the coefficient.

What is the significance of theta^2 in Fourier analysis?

Theta^2 can provide important information about the frequency components present in a signal. A larger theta^2 value indicates a stronger contribution from that frequency component, while a smaller value indicates a weaker contribution. This can help in analyzing and understanding the characteristics of a signal.

How is theta^2 used in practical applications?

In practical applications, theta^2 can be used to filter out unwanted noise or to enhance certain frequency components in a signal. It can also be used in signal processing techniques such as Fourier transform and spectral analysis to analyze and manipulate signals in various fields such as engineering, physics, and mathematics.

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
16
Views
2K
Back
Top