Half vs Full Range Fourier Series: Odd & Even Functions

In summary, the difference between the half range Fourier series and the full range Fourier series is in the type of periodic function they create. The half range series uses a reflection and rotation technique to extend the function to a periodic one, resulting in either an even or odd function. This means that the half range series only uses either cosines or sines in its Fourier series, while the full range series uses both cosines and sines. This can be seen in the example of f(x)=x and f(x)=x^2, where the half range series for f(x)=x is only composed of cosines, while the half range series for f(x)=x^2 is only composed of sines.
  • #1
Dyls
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I'm a little confused about the difference between the half range Fourier series and the full range Fourier series. What is the difference between the two in an odd function like f(x)=x and an even function like f(x)=x^2 ? Maybe an example to clear things up. Thank you.
 
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  • #2
Given a function from [0,1] to R where f(0)=0, there are several ways to make from it a periodic function on some interval. The simplest is to repeat the function by setting f(x+1)=f(x). However, there is another option, and one that cuts your work in half.

We extend the function to [-1.1] by

1) refelcting in the y axis, ie set f(-x) = f(x)

2) rotate 180 degrees about the origin by setting f(-x)=-f(x)

then repeat these to get a periodic function.

The first is even on the interval [-1,1] so it only has cosines in its Fourier series, the second is odd so only has sines.

So, take f(x)=x on [0,1] if we extend it to an even funciton on [-1,1] then we get |x|, if we extend to an odd function we just get x. The first has a Fourier series only using cosines, the second only using sines.
 
  • #3


The main difference between the half range Fourier series and the full range Fourier series lies in the range of the function being considered. In the half range Fourier series, the function is only considered over half of its domain, while in the full range Fourier series, the function is considered over its entire domain.

To understand this better, let's take the example of an odd function like f(x)=x. In this case, the function is symmetric about the origin, which means that f(x)=-f(-x). This property makes the function odd. When we apply the half range Fourier series to this function, we only consider the values of the function for x>0, as the values for x<0 can be obtained by reflecting the function about the y-axis. This is why it is called the half range Fourier series.

On the other hand, in the full range Fourier series, we consider the values of the function for the entire domain, i.e. both positive and negative values of x. In the case of an odd function, the full range Fourier series will have a cosine term with a coefficient of 0, as the function is symmetric about the origin and does not have any even components. This is because the cosine function is an even function, and when multiplied with an odd function, the resulting product is also odd, which is not present in an odd function.

Now, let's take the example of an even function like f(x)=x^2. In this case, the function is symmetric about the y-axis, which means that f(x)=f(-x). This property makes the function even. When we apply the half range Fourier series to this function, we only consider the values of the function for x≥0, as the values for x<0 can be obtained by reflecting the function about the y-axis. This is why it is called the half range Fourier series.

In the full range Fourier series, we consider the values of the function for the entire domain, i.e. both positive and negative values of x. In the case of an even function, the full range Fourier series will have a sine term with a coefficient of 0, as the function is symmetric about the y-axis and does not have any odd components. This is because the sine function is an odd function, and when multiplied with an even function, the resulting product is also odd, which is not present in an even function.

In summary, the main difference between the half
 

FAQ: Half vs Full Range Fourier Series: Odd & Even Functions

What is a Fourier series?

A Fourier series is a mathematical representation of a periodic function as a sum of sine and cosine waves. It is used to decompose a complex function into simpler components.

What does "half vs full range" mean in the context of Fourier series?

"Half vs full range" refers to the interval over which the Fourier series is calculated. A half range Fourier series is calculated over half of the period of the function, while a full range Fourier series is calculated over the entire period.

What is the difference between an odd and even function?

An odd function is symmetric about the origin, meaning that f(-x) = -f(x). An even function is symmetric about the y-axis, meaning that f(-x) = f(x). In terms of Fourier series, this means that an odd function will have only sine terms in its decomposition, while an even function will have only cosine terms.

Can both odd and even functions be represented by a Fourier series?

Yes, both odd and even functions can be represented by a Fourier series. However, the coefficients of the sine and cosine terms will be different for odd and even functions.

How do I determine whether a function is odd or even?

A function is odd if it satisfies the condition f(-x) = -f(x), and it is even if it satisfies the condition f(-x) = f(x). To determine this, you can plug in -x for x in the function and see if the resulting function is equal to the original or its negative.

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