Fourier Coefficients for $f(\theta) = \theta$

In summary, the function $f(\theta)$ is odd and can be expressed as a sum of $a_n\sin n\theta$, where $a_n$ depends on the parity of $n$. The solution for $a_n$ is given, and the final formula for $f(\theta)$ is $2\sum\limits_{n =1}^{\infty}\Bigl(\frac{1}{2n-1}\sin(2n-1)\theta - \frac{1}{2n}\sin 2n\theta\Bigr)$, without the $\frac{1}{\pi}$ in front of the integral.
  • #1
Dustinsfl
2,281
5
$f(\theta) = \theta$ for $-\pi < \theta \leq \pi$

$f$ is odd so $\sum\limits_{n = 1}^{\infty}a_n\sin n\theta$.
$$
\frac{1}{\pi}\int_{-\pi}^{\pi}\theta\sin n\theta d\theta
$$
So I have that
$$
a_n = \begin{cases}
\frac{-2\pi}{n}, & \text{if n is even}\\
\frac{2\pi}{n}, & \text{if n is odd}
\end{cases}
$$
So the solution would be
$$
2\pi\sum_{n =1}^{\infty}\frac{1}{2n-1}\sin(2n-1)\theta - \frac{1}{2n}\sin 2n\theta\mbox{?}
$$
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
dwsmith said:
$f(\theta) = \theta$ for $-\pi < \theta \leq \pi$

$f$ is odd so $\sum\limits_{n = 1}^{\infty}a_n\sin n\theta$.
$$
\frac{1}{\pi}\int_{-\pi}^{\pi}\theta\sin n\theta d\theta
$$
So I have that
$$
a_n = \begin{cases}
\frac{-2\pi}{n}, & \text{if n is even}\\
\frac{2\pi}{n}, & \text{if n is odd}
\end{cases}
$$
So the solution would be
$$
2\pi\sum_{n =1}^{\infty}\frac{1}{2n-1}\sin(2n-1)\theta - \frac{1}{2n}\sin 2n\theta\mbox{?}
$$
Correct except that the $\dfrac1\pi$ in front of the integral has got lost somewhere along the line, so there should not be a $\pi$ in the final formula. Also, it would look better if you used some parentheses to indicate that everything to the right of the $\sum$ is meant to be included in the summation: $$ 2\sum_{n =1}^{\infty}\Bigl(\frac{1}{2n-1}\sin(2n-1)\theta - \frac{1}{2n}\sin 2n\theta\Bigr).$$
 

FAQ: Fourier Coefficients for $f(\theta) = \theta$

What is a Fourier series?

A Fourier series is a mathematical representation of a periodic function using a sum of trigonometric functions. It is named after French mathematician Joseph Fourier.

What are Fourier coefficients?

Fourier coefficients are the coefficients that represent the amplitude and phase of each trigonometric function in a Fourier series. They are used to reconstruct the original function.

How are Fourier coefficients calculated?

Fourier coefficients can be calculated using an integral formula or by using a computer algorithm called the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). The integral formula involves integrating the function over one period, while the FFT algorithm uses a series of calculations to find the coefficients.

What is the importance of Fourier coefficients?

Fourier coefficients are important because they allow us to represent a complicated function as a simpler series of trigonometric functions. This makes it easier to analyze and manipulate the function, as well as approximate it with a finite number of terms.

How are Fourier coefficients used in real-world applications?

Fourier coefficients are used in many areas of science and engineering, including signal processing, image and sound compression, quantum mechanics, and heat transfer. They are also used in music and sound engineering to analyze and manipulate audio signals.

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