What is the value of the even sum in the Fourier series for |sin x|?

In summary: The odd sum is the first sum you calculated, which is 1/2. So in summary, to find the value of -\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac 1{(2n-1)^2(2n+1)^2}, you can use Parseval's identity and the fact that the sum of all inverse squares is pi^2/6.
  • #1
standardflop
48
0
Hi,

by calculating the Fourier series for |sin x| it was found that,
[tex] \sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac 1{(2n-1)(2n+1)}=1/2[/tex].
How can i find the value of -
[tex] \sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac 1{(2n-1)^2(2n+1)^2}[/tex] ?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
I assume you found the value of the first sum by expanding each term to get a series where almost every term cancels. Use the same expansion, but now you need to square it. Expanding the square will give you three terms, one of which is just the original series, and the other two involve sums of the odd inverse squares, ie, 1+1/3^2+1/5^2+... . These can be found by noting that the sum of all inverse squares is pi^2/6, and you can take a common factor out of the even squares to get their value, and subtract this to get the sum you want.
 
  • #3
StatusX said:
I assume you found the value of the first sum by expanding each term to get a series where almost every term cancels.
No, actually, i found that

[tex] |\sin x| = \frac 2{\pi} - \frac 4{\pi} \sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{\cos (2nx)}{(2n+1)(2n-1)}, \forall x \in \mathbb{R}[/tex]
and used this for x=0. But you can't "just" sqare under the 'sum', right?
 
  • #4
The expansion I thought you used was:

[tex]\frac{1}{(2n+1)(2n-1)} = \frac{1}{2} \left( \frac{1}{2n-1}-\frac{1}{2n+1} \right) [/tex]

This cancels at every term except the first. By squaring this, you get a term that looks like the original series and two other terms involving odd squares.
 
  • #5
How about Parseval's identity?

[tex]\frac{1}{\pi}\int_{-\pi}^{\pi} |f(x)|^2dx = \frac{a_0^2}{2}+\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}(a_n^2+b_n^2)[/tex]
 
  • #6
StatusX said:
These can be found by noting that the sum of all inverse squares is pi^2/6, and you can take a common factor out of the even squares to get their value, and subtract this to get the sum you want.
Alright, then if i got it right, you mean to say that

[tex] \sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac 1{(2n-1)^2(2n+1)^2} = -2 \sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{1}{(2n-1)(2n+1)} + \sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac 1{(2n-1)^2}+\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac 1{(2n+1)^2}[/tex]
How how do you evaluate the two inverse squared sums... seems like i just got two ekstra problems? :)
 
  • #7
Right. Now use the fact that:

[tex]\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n^2} = \frac{\pi^2}{6}[/tex]

Find the even sum by taking out a common factor and then subtract this from the above value.
 

FAQ: What is the value of the even sum in the Fourier series for |sin x|?

What is the value of an infinite series?

The value of an infinite series is the sum of all terms in the series. However, not all infinite series have a finite value and some may not have a value at all.

How is the value of an infinite series calculated?

The value of an infinite series is calculated by adding all the terms in the series together. This process is known as summation. However, for some series, the value can only be approximated as it may not have a finite value.

Can the value of an infinite series be negative?

Yes, the value of an infinite series can be negative. This is determined by the alternating signs of the terms in the series. If the signs alternate, the value of the series can be both positive and negative.

What is the difference between a convergent and a divergent infinite series?

A convergent infinite series has a finite value, while a divergent infinite series does not have a finite value. A convergent series is one where the sum of the terms approaches a fixed number as more terms are added. A divergent series does not approach a fixed number and may either increase or decrease without bound.

How is the value of an infinite series affected by changing the order of the terms?

The value of an infinite series can be affected by changing the order of the terms. This is known as the rearrangement theorem, and it states that for a conditionally convergent series, the value can change depending on the order of the terms. For absolutely convergent series, the value remains the same regardless of the order of the terms.

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