Complex Fourier Series for f(x) = 2 - x, -2<x<2

In summary, the student is having trouble with the complex Fourier series for f(x) = 2 - x, -2<x<2. They are trying to find a solution to the problem, but do not know which steps to take next. They are also having trouble with simplifying the complex exponential to something reasonable.
  • #1
csnsc14320
57
1
Having some trouble with this, any help is appreciated

Homework Statement


Give the complex Fourier series for [tex]f(x) = 2 - x, -2<x<2[/tex]


Homework Equations


[tex]f(x) = \sum_{n=-\infty}^\infty C_ne^{\frac{i n \pi x}{l}[/tex]

[tex]C_n=\frac{1}{2l} \int_{-l}^l f(x)e^{\frac{-i n \pi x}{2}} dx [/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


[tex]f(x) = 2 - x, l = 2[/tex]

[tex]f(x) = \sum_{n=-\infty}^\infty \frac{1}{4} \int_{-2}^2 ((2-x)e^{\frac{-i n \pi x}{2}}dx) e^{\frac{i n \pi x}{2} [/tex]


now here, I don't know which steps I should take next. Should I take this integral for general n? Or should I break it up into the case for when n=0, n>0, and n<0?

I've kind of tried both to no avail :(
 
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  • #2
from a quick look here's a ew helpful (hopefully) tips:

the sum over negative & positive n values in the complex exponent, is equivalent to summing only over positive n's with both sin & cos terms, & this one might be easier to evaluate in terms of sin's & cos's

also you should find a proof of the integral of sin(2.pi.n.x/L).sin(2.pi.n.x/L) over L = 0 for integers m not equal p and similar for cosines & mixes, this will allow you to write each coefficient in terms of single integral

now consider your function
g(x) = 2-x

first consider the constant part, 2. Any integral of a sinusoid over an integer times period will be zero, real or complex so only the n= 0 (or constant cos part will contribute)

now -x is an odd function, the cos integrals will be zero, (assuming it is just repeated),so only sin's will contribute...

so you should be able to reduce the integrals to required to ~x.sin(n.pi.x/2)
 
  • #3
lanedance said:
from a quick look here's a ew helpful (hopefully) tips:

the sum over negative & positive n values in the complex exponent, is equivalent to summing only over positive n's with both sin & cos terms, & this one might be easier to evaluate in terms of sin's & cos's

also you should find a proof of the integral of sin(2.pi.n.x/L).sin(2.pi.n.x/L) over L = 0 for integers m not equal p and similar for cosines & mixes, this will allow you to write each coefficient in terms of single integral

now consider your function
g(x) = 2-x

first consider the constant part, 2. Any integral of a sinusoid over an integer times period will be zero, real or complex so only the n= 0 (or constant cos part will contribute)

now -x is an odd function, the cos integrals will be zero, (assuming it is just repeated),so only sin's will contribute...

so you should be able to reduce the integrals to required to ~x.sin(n.pi.x/2)

yeah, i think that was part a), they had us find the Fourier series in sin/cos form, now they want us to re-derive it with complex exponentials

as a side note, i didnt think about splitting up the 2 - x into both 2 and the -x part, that makes sense now and seems quicker for part a :)
 
  • #4
not sure if you are allowed, but you could always write your complex exponential as:
[tex] e^{i x } = cos(x) + i sin(x) [/tex]
then use what you know about sin & cos integrals - evaluating the integrals will essentially be the same then...

and the negative n ones will just be complex conjugates of the poistives
 
  • #5
lanedance said:
not sure if you are allowed, but you could always write your complex exponential as:
[tex] e^{i x } = cos(x) + i sin(x) [/tex]
then use what you know about sin & cos integrals - evaluating the integrals will essentially be the same then...

and the negative n ones will just be complex conjugates of the poistives

i think they want it purely in the e^ix form :(

just stuck on whether to worry about positive/negative cases and whether i do or don't how to simplify it to something reasonable
 
  • #6
hmm.. by separating 2 & -x should be able to integrate *2 easy,for n = 0

then simple int by parts on the *(-x) for when n is not equal to zero

knowing what is going to happen to the terms based on what you have already done (sin & cos), i would attempt it for a generic n & -n, then show what happens when you sum the result... so express you results as a sum from 0 to n
 

FAQ: Complex Fourier Series for f(x) = 2 - x, -2<x<2

What is a Complex Fourier Series?

A Complex Fourier Series is a mathematical representation of a periodic function using a combination of complex exponential functions. It is a generalization of the traditional Fourier Series, which uses only real exponential functions.

How is a Complex Fourier Series calculated?

A Complex Fourier Series is calculated by finding the coefficients of the complex exponential functions that make up the series. This is typically done using integration techniques, such as the Fourier Coefficient Formula.

What is the significance of Complex Fourier Series?

Complex Fourier Series have a wide range of applications in mathematics, physics, engineering, and other fields. They are used to analyze and approximate periodic functions, as well as to solve differential equations and other problems.

Can any function be represented by a Complex Fourier Series?

No, not every function can be represented by a Complex Fourier Series. The function must be periodic and satisfy certain conditions, such as being continuous and having a finite number of discontinuities.

How does the accuracy of a Complex Fourier Series depend on the number of terms used?

The accuracy of a Complex Fourier Series depends on the number of terms used in the series. As the number of terms increases, the series gets closer to the original function. However, an infinite number of terms is needed to represent the function exactly.

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