FOURIER SERIES 1.

UNIT I

FOURIER SERIES

1.1. DEFINITION: (PERIODIC FUNCTION)

A function f (x ) is said to be periodic, if f (x + p) = f (x ) is true for some value

of p and every value of x . The smallest value of p for which this equation is

true for every value of x will be called the period of the function f (x ) .

1.2. EXAMPLE:

(i) sin x = sin ( x + 2π ) = sin ( x + 4π ) = ⋯

∴ sin x is a periodic function with period 2π .

(ii) cosx is a periodic function with period 2π ,

(iii) tan x is a period function with period π .

VSCET
1.2 UNIT I

1.3. DEFINITION:

The Fourier series for the function f (x ) in the interval 0 < x < 2π is given by

a0 ∞ ∞
f (x ) =
2
+ ∑ an cos nx + ∑ bn sin nx
n =1 n =1

2π
1
Where a0 =
π ∫ f (x ) dx
0

2π
1
an =
π ∫ f (x ) cos nx dx
0

2π
1
bn =
π ∫ f (x ) sin nx dx .
0

The Fourier series for the function f (x ) in the interval −π < x < π is given by

a0 ∞ ∞
f (x ) =
2
+ ∑ an cos nx + ∑ bn sin nx
n =1 n =1

π
1
Where a0 =
π ∫ f (x ) dx
−π

π
1
an =
π ∫ f (x ) cos nx dx
−π

π
1
bn =
π ∫ f (x ) sin nx dx .
−π

1.4. NOTE:

sin nπ = 0

cos nπ = ( −1)n .

MA2211 – TRANSFORMS AND PDE

 FOURIER SERIES 1.3

Bernoulli’s formulae:

∫ u v dx = uv1 − u v2 + u v3 − ⋯
' ''

du
Where u' = v1 = ∫ v dx
dx

d 2u
u '' = v2 = ∫ v1 dx
dx 2

⋮ ⋮

⋮ ⋮

1.5. PROBLEMS: TYPE I: PROBLEMS UNDER THE INTERVAL

( 0, 2π ) :

1.5.1. EXAMPLE:

Find the Fourier expansion of f (x ) = x in 0 < x < 2π .

SOLUTION:

The Fourier series for the function f (x ) in the interval 0 < x < 2π is given by

a0 ∞ ∞
f (x ) =
2
+ ∑ an cos nx + ∑ bn sin nx
n =1 n =1

2π
1
Where a0 =
π ∫ f (x ) dx
0

2π
1
an =
π ∫ f (x ) cos nx dx
0

2π
1
bn =
π ∫ f (x ) sin nx dx
0

Now,

VSCET
1.4 UNIT I

2π
1
a0 =
π ∫ f (x ) dx
0

2π
1
=
π ∫ x dx
0

2π
1 x2 
=  
π  2 0

1 
= 4π 2 − 0 
( )
2π  

a 0 = 2π

2π
1
an =
π ∫ f (x ) cos nx dx
0

2π
1
=
π ∫ x cos nx dx
0

2π
1   sin nx  − (1)  − cos nx 
= x   
π   n   n2   0

1  1   1 
=   2π (0) + 2  −  0 + 2  
π  n   n 

11
− 2 
1
=  2
π n n 

an = 0 .

2π
1
bn =
π ∫ f (x ) sin nx dx
0

2π
1
=
π ∫ x sin nx dx
0

2π
1  − cos nx   − sin nx  
= x   − (1)  
π  n   n 2   0

1   1   
=   2π  −  + 0  − ( 0 + 0 ) 
π   n   

MA2211 – TRANSFORMS AND PDE

 FOURIER SERIES 1.5

1  −2π 
=
π  n 
2
bn = −
n

∴ The Fourier series,

a0 ∞ ∞
f (x ) =
2
+ ∑ an cos nx + ∑ bn sin nx
n =1 n =1

∞ ∞
+ ∑ ( 0 ) cos nx + ∑   sin nx
2π −2
=
2 n =1 n =1  n 

∞
f (x ) = π − 2 ∑   sin nx
1
n =1  n 

1.5.2. EXAMPLE:

1
If f (x ) = (π − x ) , find the Fourier series of period 2π in the interval ( 0,2π ) .
2

SOLUTION:

The Fourier series for the function f (x ) in the interval ( 0,2π ) is given by

a0 ∞ ∞
f (x ) =
2
+ ∑ an cos nx + ∑ bn sin nx
n =1 n =1

2π
1
Where a0 =
π ∫ f (x ) dx
0

2π
1 1
=
π ∫ 2 (π − x ) dx
0

2π
1
=
2π ∫ (π − x ) dx
0

2π
1  x2 
= π x − 
2π  2 0

VSCET
1.6 UNIT I

1  4 π2  
=  2π 2 −  − ( 0 − 0)
2π  2  
  
1
= [0]
2π

a0 = 0 .

2π
1
an =
π ∫ f (x ) cos nx dx
0

2π
1 1
=
π ∫ 2 (π − x ) cos nx dx
0

2π
1
=
2π ∫ (π − x ) cos nx dx
0

2π
1   sin nx  − (−1)  − cos nx  
= (π − x )    

2π   n   n 2   0

2π
1   sin nx  − cos nx 
= (π − x )  

2π   n  n 2  0

1  1   1 
=  −π (0) − n 2  −  0 − n 2  
2π  

=
1 − 1 + 1 
2π  n 2 n 2 

an = 0 .

2π
1
bn =
π ∫ f (x ) sin nx dx
0

2π
1 1
=
π ∫ 2 (π − x ) sin nx dx
0

2π
1
=
2π ∫ (π − x ) sin nx dx
0

2π
1  − cos nx   − sin nx  
= (π − x ) 
  − (−1)  

2π   n   n 2   0

MA2211 – TRANSFORMS AND PDE

 FOURIER SERIES 1.7

2π
1  − cos nx  sin nx 
= (π − x ) 
 −

2π   n  n 2  0

1   1    1 
=  ( −π )  −  − 0  −  π  −  − 0  
2π   n    n 

1 π + π 
=
2π  n n 

1  2π 
=
2π  n 

1
bn =
n

∴ The Fourier series,

a0 ∞ ∞
f (x ) =
2
+ ∑ an cos nx + ∑ bn sin nx
n =1 n =1

(0) ∞ ∞
+ ∑ ( 0 ) cos nx + ∑   sin nx
1
=
2 n =1 n =1  n 

∞
∑  n  sin nx .
1
f (x ) =
n =1

1.5.3. EXAMPLE:

Expand f (x ) = eax in a Fourier series in ( 0,2π ) .

SOLUTION:

The Fourier series for the function f (x ) in the interval ( 0,2π ) is given by

a0 ∞ ∞
f (x ) =
2
+ ∑ an cos nx + ∑ bn sin nx
n =1 n =1

2π
1
Where a0 =
π ∫ f (x ) dx
0

2π
1
∫e
ax
= dx
π 0

VSCET
1.8 UNIT I

2π
1 eax 
= 
π  a  0

1 2π a
a0 = e − 1 .
πa 
2π
1
an =
π ∫ f (x ) cos nx dx
0

2π
1
∫e
ax
= cos nx dx
π 0

2π
1  eax 
=  2 2 (
a cos nx + n sin nx ) 
π a + n 0
 eax 
∫ e cos bx dx =
ax
∵ 2 2 (
a cos bx + b sin bx ) 
 a +b 

1 1
=  2 2
e 2π a (a(1) + 0 ) − 1 (a + 0 ) 
{ }
π a + n 

1 1
=  2 2
e 2π aa − a  { }
π a + n 
a
. an = 2 2 (e2πa − 1) .
(
π a +n )
2π
1
bn =
π ∫ f (x ) sin nx dx
0

2π
1
∫e
ax
= sin nx dx
π 0

2π
1  eax 
=  2 2 (
a sin nx − n cos nx ) 
π a + n 0

 eax 
∫ e sin bx dx =
ax
∵ 2 2 (
a sin bx − b cos bx ) 
 a +b 

1 1
=  2 2
e 2π a ( 0 − n ) − (1) ( 0 − n ) 
{ }
π a + n 

1 1
=  2 2
−ne 2π a + n  { }
π a + n 

MA2211 – TRANSFORMS AND PDE

 FOURIER SERIES 1.9

n
bn = 2 2 (1 − e2πa ) .
π a +n( )
∴ The Fourier series,

a0 ∞ ∞
f (x ) =
2
+ ∑ an cos nx + ∑ bn sin nx
n =1 n =1

∞
1 a
= e2π a − 1 + ∑
( ) e 2π a − 1 cos nx ( )
2π a 2
n =1 π a + n
2
( )
∞
n
+ ∑π (1 − e2πa ) sin nx
n =1 (a 2
+n 2
)
2π a
e2π a − 1 a e −1 ( ) ∞
1
f (x ) = + ∑ cos nx
2π a π n =1 (a 2 + n 2 )
.
( 1 − e2π a ) ∞
n
+ ∑ sin nx
π n =1 (a 2 + n 2 )

1.5.4. EXAMPLE:

Derive the Fourier series expansion of 1 − cosx in 0 ≤ x ≤ 2π and deduce that

∞
1 1
∑ 4n 2 − 1 = 2 .
n =1

SOLUTION:

f (x ) = 1 − cos x = 2 sin2   = 2 sin  

x x ∵ 1 − cos x = sin2 x  .
 
2 2  2 

The Fourier series for the function f (x ) in the interval 0 ≤ x ≤ 2π is given by

a0 ∞ ∞
f (x ) =
2
+ ∑ an cos nx + ∑ bn sin nx
n =1 n =1

2π
1
Where a0 =
π ∫ f (x ) dx
0

VSCET
1.10 UNIT I

2π
1
2 sin   dx
x
=
π ∫ 2
0

2π
 x 
=
2

− cos
2 () 

π    1 
 
  2   0

2 2
= [ − ( −1 ) − ( −1 ) ]
π

4 2
a0 = .
π
2π
1
an =
π ∫ f (x ) cos nx dx
0

2π
1
2 sin   cos nx dx
x
=
π ∫ 2
0

2π
2  x  dx
=
π ∫ cos nx sin  2 
0

2π
2 1  1  1 
=
π ∫ 2 sin  n + 2  x − sin  n − 2  x  dx
0

(∵ 2 cos A sin B = sin (A + B ) − sin (A − B ))

2π
 1 
− cos  n +  x cos  n −  x 
1
1   2 +  2
=  
2π  n + 1  n − 1  
   
  2  2   0

2π
 2n + 1   2n − 1  x 
− cos   x cos  
1   2  +  2  
=  1 
2π   1 
n +  n −  
  2  2   0

   
1   − ( −1 ) ( −1)   −1 1 
=  + − + 
2π   n + 1   n − 1     n + 1   n − 1   
  2  2  2  2   

MA2211 – TRANSFORMS AND PDE

 FOURIER SERIES 1.11

 
1  1 1 1 1 
=  − + − 
2π  n + 1 n − 1 n + 1 n − 1 
 2 2 2 2

 
1  2 2 
=  2n + 1 − 2n − 1 
2π  
 2 2 

4  1 1 
=  − 
2π  2n + 1 2n − 1 

4  2n − 1 − 2n − 1 
=  
2π  ( 2n + 1) ( 2n − 1) 

4  −2 
=  
2π  4n 2 − 1 

4 2 1 
an = −  
π  4n 2 − 1 
2π
1
bn =
π ∫ f (x ) sin nx dx
0

2π
1
2 sin   sin nx dx
x
=
π ∫ 2
0

2π
2  x  dx
=
π ∫ sin nx sin  2 
0

2π
2 1  1  1 
=
π ∫ 2 cos  n − 2  x − cos  n + 2  x  dx
0

(∵ 2 sin A sin B = cos (A − B ) − cos (A + B ) )

2π
  1 
sin  n −  x sin  n +  x 
1
1   2 −  2
=  
2π   n −  1 n +  
1
   
  2  2   0

VSCET
1.12 UNIT I

2π
  2n − 1  2n + 1  
x sin 
1   2  x 
sin
 2 
=  − 
2π   n − 1  n + 1  
   
  2  2   0

1
= [( 0 − 0 ) − ( 0 − 0 )]
2π

bn = 0

∴ The Fourier series,

a0 ∞ ∞
f (x ) =
2
+ ∑ an cos nx + ∑ bn sin nx
n =1 n =1

4 2 ∞
 4 2  1  ∞
= + ∑ −   cos nx + ∑ ( 0) sin nx
2π n =1  π  4n 2 − 1   n =1

∞
2 2 4 2 1
f (x ) =
π
−
π
∑ 4n 2 − 1 cos nx
n =1

Put x = 0 (x = 0 is a point of continuity )

∞
2 2 4 2 1
0=
π
−
π
∑ 4n 2 − 1 (1)
n =1

∞
1 1
⇒ ∑ 4n 2 − 1 = 2 .
n =1

1.5.5. EXAMPLE:

Find the Fourier series of f (x ) = x sin x in ( 0,2π ) .

SOLUTION:

The Fourier series for the function f (x ) in the interval ( 0,2π ) is given by

a0 ∞ ∞
f (x ) =
2
+ ∑ an cos nx + ∑ bn sin nx
n =1 n =1

2π
1
Where a0 =
π ∫ f (x ) dx
0
MA2211 – TRANSFORMS AND PDE
 FOURIER SERIES 1.13

2π
1
=
π ∫ x sin x dx
0

1
= [x ( − cos x ) − (1) ( − sin x )]20π
π
1
= [ −x cos x + sin x ]20π
π
1
= ( −2π (1) + 0 ) − ( 0 + 0 ) 
π
1
= ( −2π )
π

a 0 = −2

2π
1
an =
π ∫ f (x ) cos nx dx
0

2π
1
=
π ∫ x sin x cos nx dx
0

2π
11
=
π 2 ∫ x 2 cos nx sin x dx
0

2π
1
=
2π ∫ x [sin (n + 1) x − sin (n − 1) x ] dx
0

2π 2π
1 1
=
2π ∫ x sin ( n + 1) x dx −
2π ∫ x sin (n − 1) x dx
0 0

2π
1   − cos (n + 1) x   − sin (n + 1) x  
= x   − (1)  2 
2π   n +1   ( n + 1)   0
2π
1   − cos (n − 1) x   − sin (n − 1) x  
− x   − (1)  2 
2π   n −1   ( n − 1)   0

2π
1  cos ( n + 1) x sin ( n + 1) x 
=  −x + 
2π  n +1 (n + 1)2  0
2π
1  cos (n − 1) x sin ( n − 1) x 
−  −x + 
2π  n −1 (n − 1)2  0

VSCET
1.14 UNIT I

1  1   1  1  
=
2π  −2π n + 1 + 0  − ( 0 + 0 )  − 2π  −2π n − 1 + 0  − ( 0 + 0 ) 

1  −2π  1  −2π 
=  −  
2π  n + 1  2π  n − 1 

1 1
=− +
n +1 n +1
−n + 1 + n + 1
=
n2 − 1
2
an = 2
if (n ≠ 1)
n −1

2π
1
a1 =
π ∫ f (x ) cos x dx
0

2π
1
=
π ∫ x sin x cos x dx
0

2π
1
=
2π ∫ x sin 2x dx (∵ 2 sin A cos A = sin 2A)
0

2π
1   − cos 2x   − sin 2x  
=
2π x  2
 − (1) 
  4

  0

1  1  
=  −2π  2  + 0  − ( 0 + 0 ) 
2π   

−1
a1 =
2
2π
1
bn =
π ∫ f (x ) sin nx dx
0

2π
1
=
π ∫ x sin x sin nx dx
0

2π
11
=
π 2 ∫ x 2 sin nx sin x dx
0

2π
1
=
2π ∫ x [cos (n − 1) x − cos (n + 1) x ] dx
0

MA2211 – TRANSFORMS AND PDE

 FOURIER SERIES 1.15

2π 2π
1 1
=
2π ∫ x cos (n − 1) x dx −
2π ∫ x cos (n + 1) x dx
0 0

2π
1   sin (n − 1) x   − cos (n − 1) x  
= x   − (1)  2 
2π   n −1   (n − 1)   0
2π
1   sin (n + 1) x   − cos (n + 1) x  
− x   − (1)  2 
2π   n +1   ( n + 1)   0
1  1   1 
=  2π ( 0 ) + 2 
 −  0 +  
2π  (n − 1)   ( n − 1)2  
1  1   1 
−  0 +  −  0 +  
2π  (n + 1)2   (n + 1)2  

1  1 1  1  1 1 
=  2
− 2 −  2
− 2 
2π  (n − 1) (n − 1)  2π  (n + 1) (n + 1) 

bn = 0 if (n ≠ 1)

2π
1
b1 =
π ∫ f (x ) sin x dx
0

2π
1
=
π ∫ x sin x sin x dx
0

2π
1
∫ x sin
2
= x dx
π 0

2π
1  1 − cos 2x  dx
=
π ∫ x  2


0

2π 2π
1 1
=
2π ∫ x dx −
2π ∫ x cos 2x dx
0 0

2π 2π
1 x2  1   sin 2x   − cos 2x 
=
2π
  − x  2  − (1)  
  0
 2 0 2π 4

1 1  1  1 
=  4π 2 − 0  −  0 +  −  0 + 
4π   
2π  4  4 

1 1
=  4π 2  − ( 0)
4π   2π
VSCET
1.16 UNIT I

b1 = π .

∴ The Fourier series,

a0 ∞ ∞
f (x ) =
2
+ ∑ an cos nx + ∑ bn sin nx
n =1 n =1

a0 ∞ ∞
=
2
+ a1 cos x + ∑ an cos nx + b1 sin x + ∑ bn sin nx
n =2 n =2

∞ ∞
−2  −1  2
= +   cos x + ∑ 2 cos nx + π sin x + ∑ ( 0 ) sin nx
2  2  n =2 n − 1 n =2

∞
cos x cos nx
f (x ) = −1 − + 2∑ 2 + π sin x .
2 n =2 n − 1

1.5.6. EXAMPLE:

x , ( 0, π )
Find the Fourier series of periodicity 2π for f (x ) =  and hence
2π − x , (π , 2π )

1 1 1 π2
deduce that + + + ⋯ = .
12 32 52 8

SOLUTION:

The Fourier series for the function f (x ) in the interval ( 0,2π ) is given by

a0 ∞ ∞
f (x ) =
2
+ ∑ an cos nx + ∑ bn sin nx
n =1 n =1

2π
1
Where a0 =
π ∫ f (x ) dx
0

1 
π 2π
=  ∫ f (x ) dx + ∫ f (x ) dx 
π  0 π 

1 
π 2π
=  ∫ x dx + ∫ ( 2π − x ) dx 
π  0 π 

MA2211 – TRANSFORMS AND PDE

 FOURIER SERIES 1.17

1  x 2  x2  
π 2π

=    + 2π x −  
π   2 0  2 π 
 

1  π 2   4π 2   2 π 2   
=  − 0  +  4π 2 −  −  2π −  
π  2   2   2   

1 π 2 2 3π 2 
=  + 2π − 
π 2 2 

1  π 2 + 4π 2 − 3π 2 
=  
π  2 

1  2π 2 
=  
π  2 

a0 = π .

2π
1
an =
π ∫ f (x ) cos nx dx
0

1 
π 2π
=  ∫ f (x ) cos nx dx + ∫ f (x ) cos nx dx 
π  0 π 

1 
π 2π
=  ∫ x cos nx dx + ∫ ( 2π − x ) cos nx dx 
π  0 π 
π
1   sin nx   − cos nx  
= x  − (1)  
π  n   n 2   0
2π
1 sin nx   − cos nx  
+  (2π − x )   − ( −1 )  
π  n   n 2  π

1  ( −1)n   1   1  1   ( −1)n 
=  π ( 0 ) + 2  −  0 + 2   +  0 − 2  
− 0 − 
π  n   n   π  n   n2 

1  ( −1)n 1 1 ( −1)n 
= − − +
π  n 2 n 2 n2 n 2 

1  2 ( −1)n 2 
=  2
− 2
π  n n 

VSCET
1.18 UNIT I

2  ( −1)n − 1 
=
π  n 2 


0, if n is even

an =  −4
 2 , if n is odd
π n

2π
1
bn =
π ∫ f (x ) sin nx dx
0

1 
π 2π
=  ∫ f (x ) sin nx dx + ∫ f (x ) sin nx dx 
π  0 π 

1 
π 2π
=  ∫ x sin nx dx + ∫ ( 2π − x ) sin nx dx 
π  0 π 

π
1  − cos nx   − sin nx  
= x   − (1)  
π  n   n 2   0
2π
1 − cos nx   − sin x  
+  ( 2π − x )   − ( −1)  
π  n   n 2  π

1  ( −1)n   1   ( −1)n 
=  −π + 0  − ( 0 + 0 ) + ( 0 − 0 ) −  −π + 0 
π  n   π   n 

1  −π ( −1)n −π ( −1)n 
= +
π  n n 


bn = 0 .

∴ The Fourier series,

a0 ∞ ∞
f (x ) =
2
+ ∑ an cos nx + ∑ bn sin nx
n =1 n =1

∞ ∞
π  −4 
= + ∑  2  cos nx + ∑ ( 0 ) sin nx
2 n = odd  π n  n =1

∞
π 4 1
f (x ) =
2
−
π
∑ (2n − 1)2 cos ( 2n − 1) x
n =1

Put x = 0 ( point of discont. and end point)

MA2211 – TRANSFORMS AND PDE
 FOURIER SERIES 1.19

f (0) + f (2π ) 0 + 0
∴ f (x ) = = =0
2 2
∞
π 4 1
∴ 0=
2
−
π
∑ (2n − 1)2
n =1

∞
1 π2
∑ (2n − 1)2 =
8
.
n =1

1.6. NOTE:
∞ ∞
∑ ⇒ ∑ , replace n by ( 2n − 1)
n = odd n =1

∞ ∞
∑ ⇒ ∑ , replace n by 2n .
n = even n =1

1.7. DEFINITION: (EVEN FUNCTION)

A function f (x ) is said to be even if f (−x ) = f (x ) .

EXAMPLE: x 2 , cos x, x .

(ODD FUNCTION)

A function f (x ) is said to be odd if f (−x ) = − f (x )

EXAMPLE: x 3 , sin x

1.8. NOTE:

 a
a
2 ∫ f (x ) dx, if f (x ) is even
(i) ∫ f (x ) dx =  0
−a 0, if f (x ) is odd


VSCET
1.20 UNIT I

a0 ∞ ∞
(ii) f (x ) =
2
+ ∑ an cos nx + ∑ bn sin nx
n =1 n =1

If f (x ) is even then bn = 0
π π
1 2
a0 =
π ∫ f (x ) dx =
π ∫ f (x ) dx
−π 0

π π
1 2
an =
π ∫ f (x ) cos nx dx =
π ∫ f (x ) cos nx dx
−π 0

If f (x ) is odd then a0 = 0, an = 0 .

π π
1 2
bn =
π ∫ f (x ) sin nx dx =
π ∫ f (x ) sin nx dx
−π 0

(iii) (even) (even)=even

(odd)(odd)=even

(odd)(even)=odd.

1.9. TYPE: II: PROBLEMS UNDER THE INTERVAL ( −π , π ) :

1.9.1. EXAMPLE:

Find the Fourier series expansion of f (x ) = x in −π < x < π .

SOLUTION:

f (x ) = x

f (−x ) = −x = − f (x )

∴ f (x ) is odd function

Hence a0 = 0, an = 0 .

π
1
bn =
π ∫ f (x ) sin nx dx
−π

MA2211 – TRANSFORMS AND PDE

 FOURIER SERIES 1.21

π
2
=
π ∫ f (x ) sin nx dx
0

π
2
=
π ∫ x sin nx dx
0

π
2   − cos nx   − sin nx 
= x  − (1)  
π  n   n2   0

2  ( −1)n  
=  −π + 0  − ( 0 + 0 )
π  n  

2  −π ( −1)n 
=
π  n 


−2 ( −1)n
bn =
n
a0 ∞ ∞
∴ f (x ) =
2
+ ∑ an cos nx + ∑ bn sin nx
n =1 n =1

∞
−2 ( −1)n
= 0+0+ ∑ n sin nx
n =1

∞
( −1)n
f (x ) = −2 ∑ sin nx .
n =1 n

1.9.2. EXAMPLE:

Find the Fourier series for f (x ) = x 2 in −π ≤ x ≤ π and deduce that

1 1 1 π2
(i) + + + ⋯ =
12 22 32 6

1 1 1 π2
(ii) − + − ⋯ =
12 22 32 12

1 1 1 π2
(iii) + + + ⋯ = .
12 32 52 8

SOLUTION:

VSCET
1.22 UNIT I

f (x ) = x 2

f (−x ) = ( −x )2 = x 2 = f (x )

∴ f (x ) is even

∴ bn = 0

π
1
a0 =
π ∫ f (x ) dx
−π

π
2
∫x
2
= dx
π 0

π
2 x 3 
=  
π  3 0

2
= π 3 − 0 
3π  

2 2
a0 = π
3
π
1
an =
π ∫ f (x ) cos nx dx
−π

π
2
π∫
2
= x cos nx dx
0

π
2  − cos nx  + ( 2 )  − sin nx  
= x 2 
sin nx 
 − ( 2x )    
π  n   n2   n 3   0

2  ( −1)n  
=  0 + 2π 2 − 0  − ( 0 + 0 + 0 )
π  n  

2  ( −1)n 
= 2π
π  
n2 

4 ( −1)n
an =
n2
a0 ∞ ∞
∴ f (x ) =
2
+ ∑ an cos nx + ∑ bn sin nx
n =1 n =1

MA2211 – TRANSFORMS AND PDE

 FOURIER SERIES 1.23

2 2
π ∞
4 ( −1)n ∞
= 3 +∑ 2
cos nx + ∑ ( 0 ) sin nx
2 n =1 n n =1

π2 ∞
( −1)n
f (x ) = + 4∑ cos nx (1)
3 n =1 n2

(i) Put x = π (cont. point)

∴ f (π ) = π 2

π2 ∞
( −1)n
∴ π = 2
+ 4∑ 2 ( −1)n
3 n =1 n

π2 ∞
1
π2 − = 4∑ 2 (∵ ( −1)n ( −1)n = ( −1)2n = 1)
3 n =1 n

2π 2 ∞
1
= 4∑ 2
3 n =1 n

∞
1 π2
∑ 2 6. =
n =1 n

1 1 1 π2
+ + + ⋯ = (2)
12 22 32 6

(ii) Put x = 0 ( cont. point)

∴ f (0) = 0

π2 ∞
( −1)n
∴ 0= + 4∑
3 n =1 n2

∞
( −1)n −π 2
⇒ ∑ n2
=
12
.
n =1

1 1 1 −π 2
− + − + ⋯ =
12 22 32 12

1 1 1 π2
− + − ⋯ = (3)
12 22 32 12

VSCET
1.24 UNIT I

2 2 π2 π2
(iii) ( 2 ) + ( 3 ) ⇒ + + ⋯ = +
12 32 6 12

2π 2 + π 2
2  2 + 2 + ⋯  =
1 1
1 3  12

1 1 3π 2
+ + ⋯ =
12 32 12 (2)

1 1 π2
+ + ⋯ = .
12 32 8

1.9.3. EXAMPLE:

∞
1 π2
Find the Fourier series of f (x ) = x 2 + x in ( −π , π ) . Hence deduce that ∑ n2 =
6
.
n =1

SOLUTION:

f (x ) = x 2 + x

f (−x ) = ( −x )2 − x

(
= x 2 − x = − −x 2 + x )
≠ − f (x ) ≠ f (x )

∴ f (x ) is neither even nor odd .

a0 ∞ ∞
∴ f (x ) =
2
+ ∑ an cos nx + ∑ bn sin nx
n =1 n =1

Where
π
1
a0 =
π ∫ f (x ) dx
−π

π
1
∫ (x
2
=
π
)
+ x dx
−π

MA2211 – TRANSFORMS AND PDE

 FOURIER SERIES 1.25

π
1 x 3 x 2 
=  + 
π3 2  −π

1  π 3 π 2   −π 3 π 2  
=  + − + 
π  3 2   3 2  

1  2π 3 
=  
π 3 

2π 2
a0 = .
3
π
1
an =
π ∫ f (x ) cos nx dx
−π

π
1
∫ (x
2
=
π
)
+ x cos nx dx
−π

π
1 
=  x 2 + x 
sin nx   − cos nx  + (2)  − sin nx
π
(  n 
) − ( 2x + 1) 
 n2 
 
 n3

  −π

1  ( −1)n   ( −1)n 
=   0 + ( 2π + 1 ) 2 − 0 −
  0 + ( 1 − 2π ) 2 + 0 
π  n   n 

1  ( −1)n 2π ( −1)n ( −1)n 2π ( −1)n 

= + − +
π  n 2 n2 n2 n 2 

4 ( −1)n
an =
n2

π
1
bn =
π ∫ f (x ) sin nx dx
−π

π
1
∫ (x
2
=
π
)
+ x sin nx dx
−π

π
1 2 − cos nx   − sin nx  + (2)  cos nx  
=  x + x 
( )  − ( 2x + 1)    
π  n   n2   n 3   −π

VSCET
1.26 UNIT I

  ( −1)n 2 ( −1)n  

1


− (
π 2
+ π
n
+ )
0 +
n3 
 
= 
π   ( −1)n  2 ( −1)n 
 (
− − π2 − π −
n 
+ 0 )
+
n3

    

1 2 ( −1)n 2 ( −1)n 2 ( −1)n 2 ( −1)n 

=
π 
− π (+ π
n
+
n3
) + π − π
n
−
n3 
 ( )
1  ( −1)n 
= −π 2 − π + π 2 − π 
( )
π  n 

−2π  ( −1)n 
=
π  n 

−2 ( −1)n
bn = .
n
a0 ∞ ∞
∴ f (x ) =
2
+ ∑ an cos nx + ∑ bn sin nx
n =1 n =1

2π 2 ∞
4 ( −1)n ∞
−2 ( −1)n
= +∑ cos nx + ∑ n sin nx
3 (2 ) n =1 n 2 n =1

π2 ∞
( −1)n ∞
( −1)n
f (x ) = + 4∑ cos nx − 2 ∑ sin nx
3 n =1 n2 n =1 n

Put x = π ( discontinuous point and end point)

f ( −π ) + f (π ) π 2 − π + π 2 + π 2π 2
∴ f (π ) = = = = π2
2 2 2

π2 ∞
( −1)n
∴ π2 = + 4∑ 2
( −1)n
3 n =1 n

π2 ∞
1
π2 − = 4∑ 2
3 n =1 n

2π 2 ∞
1
= 4∑ 2
3 n =1 n

∞
1 π2
⇒ ∑ 2 6. =
n =1 n

MA2211 – TRANSFORMS AND PDE

 FOURIER SERIES 1.27

NOTE:

(i) If the series has cos term we put x = 0

π
(ii) If the series has sin term we put x =
2

(iii) If the series has alternative sign we put x = π .

1.9.4. EXAMPLE:

Obtain the Fourier series to represent the function f (x ) = x in − π < x < π and

1 1 π2
deduce that + + ⋯ = .
12 32 8

(OR)

 −x, − π < x ≤ 0
Find the Fourier series of f (x ) =  .
x , 0 ≤ x < π

SOLUTION:

f (x ) = x

f (−x ) = −x = x = f (x )

∴ f (x ) is even, ∴ bn = 0

a0 ∞ ∞
∴ f (x ) =
2
+ ∑ an cos nx + ∑ bn sin nx
n =1 n =1

π
1
a0 =
π ∫ f (x ) dx
−π

π
2
=
π ∫x dx
0

π
2
=
π ∫ x dx
0

VSCET
1.28 UNIT I

π
2 x 2 
=  
π  2 0

1
= π 2 − 0 
π  

a0 = π

π
1
an =
π ∫ f (x ) cos nx dx
−π

π
2
=
π ∫x cos nx dx
0

π
2
=
π ∫ x cos nx dx
0

π
2   sin nx   − cos nx  
= x  − (1)  
π   n   n 2   0

2  ( −1)n   1 
=  0 + 2  −  0 + 2 
π  n   n 

2  ( −1)n − 1 
=  
π  n2 

 −4 , if n is odd

= π n2
0, if n is even

∞
π  −4 
∴ f (x ) = + ∑  2  cos nx
2 n =odd  π n 
∞
π 4 1
f (x ) =
2
−
π
∑ (2n − 1)2 cos (2n − 1) x .
n =1

Put x = 0 ( continuous point)

f (0) = 0
∞
π 4 1
∴0 =
2
−
π
∑ (2n − 1)2
n =1

MA2211 – TRANSFORMS AND PDE

 FOURIER SERIES 1.29

∞
4 1 π
π
∑ (2n − 1)2 =
2
n =1

∞
1 π2
∑ 2
=
8
n =1 ( 2n − 1)

1 1 π2
( i.e.) + +⋯ = .
12 32 8

1.9.5. EXAMPLE:

Find the Fourier series of f (x ) = sin x in −π < x < π .

SOLUTION:

f (x ) = sin x

f (−x ) = sin ( −x ) = − sin x = sin x = f (x )

∴ f (x ) is even function

∴ bn = 0

a0 ∞ ∞
∴ f (x ) =
2
+ ∑ an cos nx + ∑ bn sin nx
n =1 n =1

π
1
a0 =
π ∫ f (x ) dx
−π

π
2
=
π ∫ sin x dx
0

π
2
=
π ∫ sin x dx
0

2
= [ − cos x ]π
0
π
−2
= [ −1 − 1]
π
4
a0 = .
π

VSCET
1.30 UNIT I

π
1
an =
π ∫ f (x ) cos nx dx
−π

π
2
=
π ∫ sin x cos nx dx
0

π
2
=
π ∫ sin x cos nx dx
0

π
2
=
π ∫ cos nx sin x dx
0

π
2 1
π ∫2
= [sin (n + 1) x − sin (n − 1) x ] dx
0

π
1
=
π ∫ [sin (n + 1) x − sin (n − 1) x ] dx
0

π
1  − cos ( n + 1) x − cos ( n − 1) x 
=  −
π  ( n + 1) (n − 1)  0

1  − ( −1)n + 1 ( −1)n −1   −1 1 
=  +  −  + 
π  n + 1 n − 1   n + 1 n − 1  

1  − ( −1)n + 1 ( −1)n + 1   −1 1 
= 
π  n + 1
+  −  + 
n − 1   n + 1 n − 1  
(∵ ( −1)n +1 = ( −1)n −1 )
1 1 
( −1)n + 1 
−1 1   −1
=  + − + 
π   n + 1 n − 1   n + 1 n − 1  

1   −1 1  
=   +  ( −1)
π  n + 1 n − 1 
n +1
(
−1 

)
1  −n + 1 + n + 1  
= 
π 
 2
n −1
 ( −1)

n +1
(
−1 

)
2
= (( −1)n +1 − 1)
(
π n −1 2
)
 −4
, if n is even
π n 2 − 1
an =  ( ) (if n ≠ 1)
0, if n is odd

MA2211 – TRANSFORMS AND PDE
 FOURIER SERIES 1.31

π
1
a1 =
π ∫ f (x ) cos x dx
−π

π
2
=
π ∫ sin x cos x dx
0

π
2
=
π ∫ sin x cos x dx
0

π
2 1
π 2 ∫0
= 2 sin x cos x dx

π
1
=
π ∫ sin 2x dx
0

1  − cos 2x π
=
π  2  0
1
=− [1 − 1]
2π

a1 = 0 .

a0 ∞
∴ f (x ) =
2
+ ∑ an cos nx
n =1

a0 ∞
=
2
+ a1 cos x + ∑ an cos nx
n =2

∞
4 −4
= + (0) + ∑ cos nx
π (2) n = even π n 2
− 1 ( )
∞
2 4 cos 2nx
f (x ) = − ∑ .
π π n =1 (( 2n )2 − 1)

1.9.6. EXAMPLE:

Expand f (x ) = cos x in a Fourier series in the interval −π < x < π

VSCET
1.32 UNIT I

SOLUTION:

f (x ) = cos x

f (−x ) = cos ( −x ) = cos x = f (x )

∴ f (x ) is even function

∴ bn = 0

a0 ∞ ∞
∴ f (x ) =
2
+ ∑ an cos nx + ∑ bn sin nx
n =1 n =1

π
1
a0 =
π ∫ f (x ) dx
−π

π
2
=
π ∫ cos x dx
0

2  
π /2 π
( − cos x ) dx 
π  ∫0 ∫
= cos x dx +

 π /2 

2
= [ sin x ]π0 / 2 − [sin x ]ππ / 2 
π 
2
= [(1 − 0 ) − ( 0 − 1) ]
π
4
a0 = .
π
π
1
an =
π ∫ f (x ) cos nx dx
−π

π
2
=
π ∫ cos x cos nx dx
0

2  
π /2 π
( − cos x ) cos nx dx 
π  0∫ ∫
= cos x cos nx dx +

 π /2 

2  
π /2 π

π  ∫0 ∫
= cos nx cos x dx − cos nx cos x dx

 π /2 

MA2211 – TRANSFORMS AND PDE

 FOURIER SERIES 1.33

 1 π /2 
 ∫ [ cos ( n + 1) x + cos ( n − 1) x ] dx 
2  2 
=  0 π 
π 1 

−
2 ∫ [cos (n + 1) x + cos (n − 1) x ] dx 
 π /2 

π /2
1  sin (n + 1) x sin (n − 1) x 
=  +
π  n +1 n − 1  0
π
1  sin (n + 1) x sin (n − 1) x 
− +
π  n + 1 n − 1 π /2

 sin (n + 1) π sin ( n − 1) π  
1  2 + 2  − ( 0 + 0 )
=   
π  n +1 n −1 
  
  sin (n + 1) π sin ( n − 1) π 
1 
− ( 0 + 0 ) −  2 + 2

π  n +1 n −1 
   

 cos nπ cos n π cos n π cos nπ 

1 2 − 2 + 2 − 2 
=  
π n +1 n −1 n +1 n −1
 

 2 cos nπ 2 cos nπ 
=  
1 2 − 2
π n +1 n −1 
 

nπ
2 cos
= 2  1 − 1 
π  n + 1 n − 1 

nπ
2 cos
= 2 n − 1 − n − 1
π  n 2 − 1 

nπ
−4 cos
2
an = 2
π n −1( )
( if )
n ≠1

π
1
a1 =
π ∫ f (x ) cos x dx
−π

VSCET
1.34 UNIT I

π
2
=
π ∫ cos x cos x dx
0

2  
π /2 π
( − cos x ) cos x dx 
π  0∫ ∫
= cos x cos x dx +

 π /2 

2  
π /2 π
cos x dx − ∫ cos x dx 
π  ∫0
2 2
=

 π /2 

2  
π /2 π
 1 + cos 2x  dx −  1 + cos 2x  dx 
π  ∫0  ∫  2  
=  
2 
 π /2 

1  sin 2x π / 2  sin 2x π 
=  x + − x+ 
π   2  0  2 π / 2 

1   π    π  
=    + 0  − ( 0 + 0 )  − ( π + 0 ) −  + 0   
π   2    2  

1 π
−π + 
π
=

π 2 2 

a1 = 0 .

a0 ∞
∴ f (x ) =
2
+ ∑ an cos nx
n =1

a0 ∞
=
2
+ a1 cos x + ∑ an cos nx
n =2

nπ
∞ −4 cos
4 2 cos nx
= + (0) + ∑ 2
π (2) n =2 π n − 1 ( )
nπ
∞ cos
2 4 2 cos nx
f (x ) = − ∑ n2 − 1
π π n =2 ( )
1.9.7. EXAMPLE:

0, −π < x ≤ 0
Find the Fourier series expansion of f (x ) =  and evaluate
sin x , 0 ≤ x < π

MA2211 – TRANSFORMS AND PDE

 FOURIER SERIES 1.35

1 1 1
(i) − + −⋯
1.3 3.5 5.7
1 1 1
(ii) + + +⋯
1.3 3.5 5.7

SOLUTION:

0, −π < x ≤ 0
f (x ) = 
sin x , 0 ≤ x < π

0, − π < −x ≤ 0
f (−x ) = 
 − sin x, 0 ≤ −x < π

0, π >x ≥0
=
 − sin x, 0 ≥ x > π

 − sin x , −π < x ≤ 0
= .
0, 0 ≤ x < π

Here f (−x ) ≠ f (x ) and f (−x ) ≠ − f (x )

∴ f (x ) is neither even nor odd

a0 ∞ ∞
∴ f (x ) =
2
+ ∑ an cos nx + ∑ bn sin nx
n =1 n =1

π
1
a0 =
π ∫ f (x ) dx
−π

π
1
=
π ∫ sin x dx
0

1
= ( − cos x )π
0
π
1
=− ( −1 − 1)
π
2
a0 = .
π

VSCET
1.36 UNIT I

π
1
an =
π ∫ f (x ) cos nx dx
−π

π
1
=
π ∫ sin x cos nx dx
0

π
1
=
π ∫ cos nx sin x dx
0

π
1 1
=
π ∫ 2 [sin (n + 1) x − sin (n − 1) x ] dx
0

π
1
=
2π ∫ [sin (n + 1) x − sin (n − 1) x ] dx
0

π
1  − cos (n + 1) x − cos (n − 1) x 
=  −
2π  ( n + 1) ( n − 1)  0

1  − ( −1)n + 1 ( −1)n − 1   −1 1 
=  +  −  + 
2π  n + 1 n − 1   n + 1 n − 1  

1  − ( −1)n + 1 ( −1)n + 1   −1 1 
=
2π

 n + 1
+  −  + 
n − 1   n + 1 n − 1  
(∵ ( −1)n +1 = ( −1)n −1 )
1  1 
( −1)n + 1 
−1 1   −1
=  + − + 
2π   n + 1 n − 1   n + 1 n − 1  

1   −1 1  
=
2π
(
 n + 1 + n − 1  ( −1)
n +1
−1 

)
1  −n + 1 + n + 1  
= 
2π 
 2
n −1
 ( −1 )

n +1
(
−1 

)
2
= 2 ( ( −1)n + 1 − 1)
(
2π n − 1 )
 −2
, if n is even
π n 2 − 1
an =  ( ) (if n ≠ 1)
0, if n is odd


MA2211 – TRANSFORMS AND PDE

 FOURIER SERIES 1.37

π
1
a1 =
π ∫ f (x ) cos x dx
−π

π
1
=
π ∫ sin x cos x dx
0

π
11
π 2 ∫0
= 2 sin x cos x dx

π
1
=
2π ∫ sin 2x dx
0

1  − cos 2x π
=
2π  2  0

1
=− [1 − 1]
4π

a1 = 0 .

π
1
bn =
π ∫ f (x ) sin nx dx
−π

π
1
=
π ∫ sin x sin nx dx
0

π
1
=
π ∫ sin nx sin x dx
0

π
1
=
2π ∫ [cos (n − 1) x − cos (n + 1) x ] dx
0

π
1  sin (n − 1) x sin (n + 1) x 
= −
2π  n −1 n +1 
0

1
= [ ( 0 − 0 ) − ( 0 − 0 )]
2π

bn = 0 ( if n ≠1 )
π
1
b1 =
π ∫ f (x ) sin x dx
−π

VSCET
1.38 UNIT I

π
1
=
π ∫ sin x sin x dx
0

π
1
=
π ∫ sin2 x dx
0

π
1  1 − cos 2x  dx
=
π ∫ 
 2


0

π
1 x − sin 2x 
=
2π  2  0

1
= [(π − 0 ) − ( 0 − 0 )]
2π
1
b1 = .
2
a0 ∞ ∞
∴ f (x ) =
2
+ a1 cos x + ∑ an cos nx + b1 sin x + ∑ bn sin nx
n =2 n =2

∞
2 −2 1
= + ( 0) + ∑ cos nx + sin x + (0)
π (2) 2
n = even π n − 1 2 ( )
∞
1 2 cos 2nx 1
= − ∑ 2
+ sin x
π π n =1 ( (2n ) −1 ) 2

∞
1 2 cos 2nx 1
f (x ) =
π
−
π
∑ ( 2n − 1) (2n + 1) +
2
sin x .
n =1

(i) Put x = 0 (continuous point)

∞
1 2 1
0=
π
−
π
∑ (2n − 1) (2n + 1)
n =1

∞
1 1
⇒ ∑ (2n − 1) (2n + 1) = 2
n =1

π
(ii) Put x =
2
( continuous point)

MA2211 – TRANSFORMS AND PDE

 FOURIER SERIES 1.39

1 2 ∞
( −1)n 1
1=
π
− ∑ + (1)
π n =1 ( 2n − 1) ( 2n + 1) 2

1 1 2 ∞
( −1)n
1− −
2
=− ∑
π π n = 1 ( 2n − 1) ( 2n + 1)

π −2 2 ∞
( −1)n
2π
=−
π
∑ ( 2n − 1) (2n + 1)
n =1

∞
( −1)n
= − 
π −2
⇒ ∑ 
n = 1 ( 2n − 1) ( 2n + 1)  4 

+ ⋯ = − 
1 1 1 π −2
− + − 
1.3 3.5 5.7  4 
1 1 1 π −2
(i.e.) − + −⋯ = .
1.3 3.5 5.7 4

1.10. TYPE III: PROBLEMS UNDER THE INTERVAL ( 0, 2l )

1.10.1. DEFINITON:

The Fourier expansion for f (x ) in the interval 0 < x < 2l is given by

∞
a0 nπ x  ∞
f (x ) =
2
+ ∑ an cos  l  n =1
 nπ x 
 + ∑ bn sin 
 l 

n =1

Where

2l
1
l ∫0
a0 = f (x ) dx

2l
1
an = ∫ f (x ) cos 
nπ x 
 dx
l 0  l 

2l
1
f (x ) sin 
nπ x 
bn = ∫
l 0  l 
 dx

1.10.2. EXAMPLE:

VSCET
1.40 UNIT I

Find the Fourier series expansion of period 2l for the function f (x ) = (l − x )2 in the

∞
1 π2
range ( 0, 2l ) . Deduce that ∑ 2 6. =
n =1 n

SOLUTION:

The Fourier series be,

∞
a0 nπ x  ∞
f (x ) =
2
+ ∑ an cos  l  n =1
 nπ x 
 + ∑ bn sin 
 l 

n =1

Where

2l
1
l ∫0
a0 = f (x ) dx

2l
1
(l − x )2 dx
l ∫0
=

2l
1  (l − x ) 
3
=  
l  −3 
0

1
=−  ( −l )3 − l 3 
3l

2l 2
a0 = .
3
2l
1  nπ x  dx
an =
l ∫ f (x ) cos  l 

0

2l
1
= ∫ (l − x )2 cos 
nπ x 
 dx
l 0  l 

2l
 
sin 
nπ x 
− cos 
nπ x 
− sin 
nπ x
   
1
= (l − x )2  l  − 2 l − x ( −1)  l  + −2 ( −1 )  l 
[ ( ) ] 2 [ ] 3
l   n π   nπ   nπ  
       
  l   l   l  0

MA2211 – TRANSFORMS AND PDE

 FOURIER SERIES 1.41

2l
 
sin 
nπ x 
cos 
nπ x 
sin 
nπ x
1   
= (l − x )2  l  −2 l −x  l  −2  l 
( ) 2 3
l   nπ   n π   π
n 
       
  l   l   l  0

   
1  1   1 
=  ( 0 ) − 2 ( −l ) 2
− 0  −  0 − 2l 2
− 0 
l  nπ   nπ 
 l( )  
  ( )l

 

 
1  2l 2l 
=  + 
l   nπ 2  nπ 2 
  l   
 l  


 
1  4l 
=  
l   n π 2 
  l  
 

4l 2
an =
n 2π 2

2l
1
f (x ) sin 
nπ x 
bn = ∫
l 0  l 
 dx

2l
1
(l − x )2 sin 
nπ x 
= ∫
l 0  l 
 dx

2l
 nπ x  
− cos 
nπ x 
− sin 
nπ x 
   cos  
1
= (l − x )2  l  − 2 l − x ( −1)  l  + −2 ( −1)  l 
[ ( ) ] 2 [ ] 3
l   nπ   nπ   nπ  
      
  l   l   l   0

2l
 
− cos 
nπ x 
sin 
nπ x 
cos 
nπ x
1   
 l  −2 l −x
= (l − x )2 ( )  l2  + 2  l
3

l   nπ   n π   π
n 
       
  l   l   l  0

VSCET
1.42 UNIT I

   
1  1 1   2 1 1  
=  −l 2 −0+2  −  −l +0+2 
l   nπ   n π 3    nπ   n π 3  
           
  l   l     l   l  

 

1 −l 2
2 l 2
2 
=  + + − 
l   n π   n π  3  n π   n π 3 
  l   l   
 l   l  


1
= (0)
l

bn = 0
∞
a0 nπ x  ∞
∴ f (x ) =
2
+ ∑ an cos  l  n =1
 nπ x 
 + ∑ bn sin 
 l 

n =1

2l 2 ∞
4l 2 nπ x  ∞
= + ∑ 2 2 cos   nπ x 
 + ∑ ( 0 ) sin  
3 (2 ) n =1 n π  l  n =1  l 

l 2 4l 2 ∞
1
∑ n 2 cos 
nπ x 
f (x ) = + 
3 π2 n =1 l 

put x = 0 ( dis. cont. and end point)

f (0) + f ( 2l ) l 2 4l 2 ∞
1
∴
2
= +
3 π2
∑ n2
n =1

l 2 + l 2 l 2 4l 2 ∞
1
2
= +
3 π2
∑ n2
n =1

∞
1 π2
∑ 2
=
6
.
n =1 n

1.10.3. EXAMPLE:

x , 0<x <l
l
Find the Fourier Series of f (x ) =  in the range ( 0, 2l ) .
2l − x
 , l < x < 2l
 l

MA2211 – TRANSFORMS AND PDE

 FOURIER SERIES 1.43

SOLUTION:

The Fourier series be,

∞
a0 nπ x  ∞
f (x ) =
2
+ ∑ an cos  l  n =1
 nπ x 
 + ∑ bn sin 
 l 

n =1

Where

2l
1
l ∫0
a0 = f (x ) dx

1 
l 2l

l  ∫0 ∫
=  f (x ) dx + f (x ) dx 
l 

1 x  dx +  2l − x  dx 
l 2l

l  ∫0  l ∫  l  
=   
 l 
l 2l
1 x2  1  ( 2l − x )2 
= 2  + 2 
l  2  0 l  −2 l

1 2 1
= l − 0 − 2 0 − l 2 
2 
2l  2l  

1 2 1
= 2
l + 2 l2
2l 2l

a0 = 1 .

2l
1
f (x ) cos 
nπ x 
an = ∫
l 0  l 
 dx

1  nπ x  dx 
l 2l
 ∫ f (x ) cos 
nπ x 
=
l  0  l 
 dx + ∫ f (x )cos  
 l  
l

1 x   2l − x  cos  nπ x  dx 
l 2l
 ∫   cos 
nπ x 
=
l  0  l   l 
 dx + ∫  l 
   
 l  
l

l 2l
 nπ x nπ x   nπ x nπ x 
1
= 2 x
sin
l ( )
− (1)
− cos
l ( )  1
 + 2 ( 2l − x )
sin ( )
l − ( −1)
( )
− cos
l


nπ nπ 2 nπ nπ 2
l 
 l ( ) l ( ) 
 0
l 
 l( ) ( )l

l

VSCET
1.44 UNIT I

       
1  ( −1)n   1   1  1   ( −1 )n 
= 2  0 +  
2 − 0+ 2
  + 2  0 −  
2 − 0−

l  nπ   nπ   l  nπ   nπ 2  
 l ( )
 
  l ( ) 
 

 ( )
l
 
  ( )
l

 

 
1  ( −1)n 1 1 ( −1)n 
= 2  2 − 2 − 2 + 
 nπ nπ nπ nπ 2 
l
( ) ( ) ( ) ( l ) 
 l l l

 
1  2 ( −1)n 2 
= 2  2 − 2
 nπ nπ 
l
( ) ( )
 l l 

2 l2 n
= 2 2 2 ( ( −1) − 1)
l n π
2
= 2 2 ( ( −1)n − 1)
n π

 −4 , if n is odd

an =  n 2π 2
0, if n is even


2l
1
f (x ) sin 
nπ x 
bn = ∫
l 0  l 
 dx

1  nπ x  dx 
l 2l
 ∫ f (x )sin 
nπ x 
=
l  0  l 
 dx + ∫ f (x )sin  
l  
l

1 x   2l − x  sin  nπ x  dx 
l 2l
 ∫   sin 
nπ x 
=
l  0  l   l 
 dx + ∫ 
 l



 l
 
 
l

MA2211 – TRANSFORMS AND PDE

 FOURIER SERIES 1.45

l
 nπ x nπ x 
1
= 2 x
− cos
l ( )
− (1)
− sin
l( ) 

π nπ 2
l 

n
l ( ) l ( ) 
 0
2l
 nπ x nπ x 
− cos ( ) − sin (
l )
1  
+ ( 2l − x ) l − ( −1 )
2 nπ 2
l 
 ( l ) ( nlπ )  l

     
1  ( −1)n   1   ( −1)n 
= 2  −l + 0  − ( 0 + 0 ) + 2 ( 0 + 0 ) −  −l nπ − 0  
nπ
l 

 l ( )


 l




 ( )
l
 
 

 
1  −l ( −1)n l ( −1)n 
= 2  nπ +
nπ 
l 

( ) ( )
l l 


bn = 0 .

a0 ∞ ∞
∑ an cos  l +  nπ x 
nπ x
∴ f (x ) = +  ∑ bn sin  
2 n =1  n =1  l 

∞
nπ x  ∞
+ ∑  2 2  cos 
1 −4  nπ x 
=  + ∑ ( 0 ) sin  
2 n = odd  n π   l  n =1  l 

1 4 ∞  1   ( 2n − 1) π x 
= − 2 ∑ 2
cos  
2 π n =1  ( 2n − 1)   l 

1.10.4. EXAMPLE:

Obtain the Fourier series expansion of f (x ) if

1, 0 ≤ x ≤ 1
f (x ) =  , and f ( x + 2 ) = f (x ) .
2, 1 ≤ x ≤ 2

SOLUTION:

Since ( 0, 2l )

VSCET
1.46 UNIT I

Here ( 0,2 )

⇒ 2l = 2

⇒l = 1

a0 ∞ ∞
∑ an cos  l +  nπ x 
nπ x
∴ f (x ) = +  ∑ bn sin  
2 n =1  n =1  l 

a0 ∞ ∞
=
2
+ ∑ an cos (nπ x ) + ∑ bn sin (nπ x )
n =1 n =1

2l
1
a0 = ∫ f (x ) dx
l 0

2
1
1 ∫0
= f (x )dx

1 2
= ∫ (1) dx + ∫ ( 2 ) dx
0 1

= [x ]10 + 2 [x ]12

= (1 − 0 ) + 2 ( 2 − 1)

a0 = 3 .

2l
1
f (x ) cos 
nπ x 
an = ∫
l 0  l 
 dx

2
1
= ∫ f (x )cos (nπ x ) dx
10

1 2
= ∫ (1) cos ( nπ x ) dx + ∫ (2) cos ( nπ x ) dx
0 1

1 2
=
sin n π x 
+ 2
sin nπ x 
 nπ  0  n π 1

1 1
= ( 0 + 0) + 2 ( 0 + 0)
nπ nπ

an = 0 .

MA2211 – TRANSFORMS AND PDE

 FOURIER SERIES 1.47

2l
1
f (x ) sin 
nπ x 
bn = ∫
l 0  l 
 dx

2
1
= ∫ f (x ) sin ( nπ x ) dx
10

1 2
= ∫ (1) sin (nπ x ) dx + ∫ (2) sin ( nπ x ) dx
0 1

1 2
=
− cos nπ x 
+ 2
− cos nπ x 
 nπ  0  nπ 1

−1 2
= ( −1)n − 1 −
 1 − ( −1)n 

nπ nπ
−1 2
= ( −1)n − 1 + ( −1)n − 1
nπ nπ 
1
= ( −1)n − 1
nπ

 −2 , if n is odd

bn =  nπ
0, if n is even


a0 ∞ ∞
∴ f (x ) =
2
+ ∑ an cos (nπ x ) + ∑ bn sin (nπ x )
n =1 n =1

∞ ∞
+ ∑ ( 0 ) cos ( nπ x ) + ∑ 
3 −2 
=  sin ( nπ x )
2 n =1 n = odd  n π 

3 2 ∞ sin ( ( 2n − 1) π x )
f (x ) = − ∑ .
2 π n =1 ( 2n − 1)

1.10.5. EXAMPLE:

(l − x ) , 0 ≤ x ≤ l
Find the Fourier series expansion for f (x ) =  .
0, l ≤ x ≤ 2l

ANSWER:

VSCET
1.48 UNIT I

l
a0 =
2

 2l , if n is odd

an =  n 2π 2
0, if n is even


1
bn = .
nπ

1.10.6. EXAMPLE:

Find the Fourier series of f ( x ) = π x in 0 < x < 2 .

SOLUTION:

a 0 = 2π

an = 0

−2
bn = .
n

1.11. TYPE IV: PROBLEMS UNDER THE INTERVAL ( −l , l ) :

1.11.1. EXAMPLE:

If f (x ) = x is defined in −l < x < l with period 2l , find the Fourier expansion of

f (x ) .

SOLUTION:

f (x ) = x

f (−x ) = −x = − f (x )

∴ f (x ) is odd.

∴ a 0 = 0, an = 0 .

MA2211 – TRANSFORMS AND PDE

 FOURIER SERIES 1.49

a0 ∞ ∞
∑ an cos  l +  nπ x 
nπ x
∴ f (x ) = +  ∑ bn sin  
2 n =1  n =1  l 
∞
∑ bn sin 
nπ x 
f (x ) = 
n =1 l 

Where

l
1
bn = ∫ f (x ) sin 
nπ x 
 dx
l −l  l 

l
1
x sin 
nπ x 
= ∫
l −l  l 
 dx

l
2
x sin 
nπ x 
= ∫
l 0  l 
 dx

l
 nπ x nπ x 
1 
= x
− cos
l ( )
− (1)
− sin
l ( ) 

n π nπ 2
l 
 l ( ) l ( ) 
 0

  
2  −l ( −1)n  
=  + 0  − ( 0 + 0 )
l  n π

 l ( ) 




2 −l ( −1)n
= .
nπ
l
l ( )
−2l
bn = ( −1)n
nπ

−2l ∞
( −1)n
sin 
nπ x 
∴ f (x ) =
π
∑ n  l 

n =1 .

1.11.2. EXAMPLE:

Obtain the Fourier series for the function

VSCET
1.50 UNIT I

1 + 2x , − l ≤ x ≤ 0
 l 1 1 1 π2
f (x ) =  , and hence deduce that 2 + 2 + 2 + ⋯ = .
2 x
1 − , 0 ≤ x ≤ l 1 3 5 8
 l

SOLUTION:

1 + 2x , − l ≤ x ≤ 0
 l
f (x ) = 
2
1 − x , 0 ≤ x ≤ l
 l

1 − 2x , − l ≤ −x ≤ 0
 l
f (−x ) = 
2
1 + x , 0 ≤ −x ≤ l
 l

1 − 2x , l ≥ x ≥ 0
 l
=
2
1 + x , 0 ≥ x ≥ −l
 l

1 + 2x , − l ≤ x ≤ 0
 l
=
2
1 − x , 0 ≤ x ≤ l
 l

= f (x )

∴ f (x ) is even.

∴ bn = 0 .

a0 ∞
∑ an cos 
nπ x 
∴ f (x ) = + 
2 n =1 l 

l
2
l ∫0
a0 = f (x )dx

l
2  2x 
= ∫
l 0
1 −  dx
l 

MA2211 – TRANSFORMS AND PDE

 FOURIER SERIES 1.51

l
 2x 2 
2   
1 −
=  l  
l  2  −2  
  l  
0

−1
= [1 − 1]
2

a0 = 0 .

l
2
an = ∫ f (x )cos 
nπ x 
 dx
l 0  l 

l
2  2x   nπ x  dx
= ∫
l 0
1 −  cos 
l   l



l
 nπ x nπ x 
2
=  1 −
2x 

sin ( )l −  − 
2 ( )
− cos
l


l   nπ  l nπ 2

l
( )
l ( )l

 0

   
2  n   
=  0 −  
( )
 −  0 −  
2 − 1 2 1
2 2

l   l  nπ    l  nπ 
 l ( )
 
  l ( ) 
 

 
2  2 ( −1)n 2 1 
= − + 2
l  l n π 2 l nπ 
 l l ( ) ( ) 

2 2 l 2  n
=   (1 − ( −1) )
l  l n 2π 2 

 8 if n is odd

=  n 2π 2
0, if n is even


a0 ∞
∑ an cos 
nπ x 
∴ f (x ) = + 
2 n =1 l 

∞
8
cos 
nπ x 
=0+ ∑ 2 2
 l 

n = odd n π

VSCET
1.52 UNIT I

∞
8 1  ( 2n − 1) π x 
f (x ) =
π 2 ∑ (2n − 1)2 cos  l


n =1

(
put x = 0 : continuous point )
∞
8 1
f (0) =
π 2 ∑ ( 2n − 1)2
n =1

∞
8 1
1=
π 2 ∑ (2n − 1)2
n =1

∞
1 π2
∑ 2 =
8
.
n =1 ( 2n − 1)

1.11.3. EXAMPLE:

0, − 2 < x < −1


Find the Fourier series of f (x ) in ( −2, 2 ) which is defined by f (x ) = k , −1< x <1 .

0, 1<x <2

SOLUTION:

Here ( −2, 2 )

( −l, l )

⇒ l = 2.

0, − 2 < −x < −1


f (−x ) = k, − 1 < −x < 1

0, 1 < −x < 2

0, 2 > x > 1


= k, 1 > x > −1

0, − 1 > x > −2

MA2211 – TRANSFORMS AND PDE

 FOURIER SERIES 1.53

0, − 2 < x < −1


= k, −1< x <1

0, 1<x <2

= f (x )

∴ f (x ) is even.

∴ bn = 0 .

a0 ∞
∑ an cos 
nπ x 
∴ f (x ) = + 
2 n =1 l 

l
2
a0 = ∫ f (x )dx
l 0

2
2
2 ∫0
= f (x )dx

1 2
= ∫ f (x )dx + ∫ f (x ) dx
0 1

1 2
= ∫ k dx + ∫ ( 0 ) dx
0 1

= k [x ]10

= k (1 − 0 )

a0 = k .

l
2
an = ∫ f (x )cos 
nπ x 
 dx
l 0  l 

2
2
f (x )cos 
nπ x 
=
20∫  2 
 dx

1 2
= ∫ f (x ) cos 
nπ x   nπ x  dx
 dx + ∫ f (x ) cos  
0
 2  1
 2 

VSCET
1.54 UNIT I

1 2
= ∫ k cos 
nπ x   nπ x  dx
 dx + ∫ ( 0 ) cos  
0
 2  1
 2 

1
 sin nπ x 

=k 2 ( ) 

nπ

 2 ( ) 
0

2k   nπ  − 0
=
nπ  sin  2 
 

2k
sin 
nπ 
an = 
nπ  2 

a0 ∞
∑ an cos 
nπ x 
∴ f (x ) = + 
2 n =1 l 

∞
k 2k 1
∑ n sin   cos  nπ x .
nπ
f (x ) = +   
2 π n =1 2   2 

1.12. HALF RANGE SERIES:

1.12.1. FORMULA:

Half range cosine series in ( 0, π ) , in ( 0,l )

a0 ∞ a0 ∞
∑ an cos 
nπ x 
f (x ) =
2
+ ∑ an cos nx f (x ) =
2
+
l 

n =1 n =1

π l
2 2
Where a 0 =
π ∫ f (x )dx Where a0 =
l ∫0
f (x )dx
0

π l
2 2
f (x )cos 
nπ x 
an =
π ∫ f (x )cos nx dx an = ∫
l 0  l 
 dx
0

Half range sine series:

∞ ∞
∑ bn sin 
nπ x 
f (x ) = ∑ bn sin nx f (x ) =
l 

n =1 n =1

π l
2 2
f (x )sin 
nπ x 
Where bn =
π ∫ f (x )sin nxdx bn = ∫
l 0  l 
 dx
0

MA2211 – TRANSFORMS AND PDE

 FOURIER SERIES 1.55

1.12.2. EXAMPLE:

Expand the function f (x ) = x, 0 < x < π in Fourier sine series.

SOLUTION:

∞
f (x ) = ∑ bn sin nx
n =1

π
2
bn =
π ∫ f (x )sin nx dx
0

−2
= ( −1)n
n

1.12.3. EXAMPLE:

Find the Fourier cosine series for f (x ) = x 2 in 0 < x < π .

SOLUTION:

a0 ∞
f (x ) =
2
+ ∑ an cos nx
n =1

π
2 2π 2
a0 =
π ∫ f (x ) dx = 3
0

π
2 4
π∫
n
an = f (x )cos nx dx = 2 ( −1) .
0
n

1.12.4. EXAMPLE:

Find the half range sine series f (x ) = x ( π − x ) in ( 0, π ) . Hence deduce that

1 1 1 π3
− + − ⋯ = .
13 33 53 32

VSCET
1.56 UNIT I

SOLUTION:

∞
f (x ) = ∑ bn sin nx
n =1

π
2
bn =
π ∫ f (x )sin nx dx
0

4
= (1 − ( −1)n )
n 3π

 8 , if n is odd

=  n 3π
0, if n is even

∞
∴ f (x ) = ∑ bn sin nx
n =1

∞
8
= ∑ 3
π
sin nx
n = odd n

∞
8 1
f (x ) =
π
∑ (2n − 1)3 sin ( 2n − 1) x
n =1

8  sin x sin 3x
f (x ) = + + ⋯
π  13 33

π
put x =
2
(cont. point )
π π 81 1 1 
 π −  =  3 − 3 + 3 − ⋯
2 2  π 1 3 5 

1 1 1 π3
⇒ − + − ⋯ =
13 33 53 32

1.12.5. EXAMPLE:

Find the Fourier sine series of f (x ) = l − x in ( 0,l )

SOLUTION:

MA2211 – TRANSFORMS AND PDE

 FOURIER SERIES 1.57

∞
∑ bn sin 
nπ x 
f (x ) = 
n =1 l 

l
2 2l
bn = ∫ f (x )sin 
nπ x 
 dx =
l 0  l  nπ

∞
2l
∑ nπ sin 
nπ x 
f (x ) = .
n =1 l 

1.12.6. EXAMPLE:

Find the Half-range cosine series for f (x ) = ( x − 1)2 in ( 0,1) . Hence show that

1 1 1 π2
+ + + ⋯ = .
12 22 32 24

SOLUTION:

Here ( 0,l )

( 0,1)

⇒ l = 1.

a0 ∞
∑ an cos 
nπ x 
f (x ) = + 
2 n =1 l 

l
2 2
a0 = ∫
l 0
f (x ) dx =
3

l
2 4
f (x )cos 
nπ x 
an = ∫
l 0  l 
 dx = 2 2
n π

a0 ∞
∑ an cos 
nπ x 
∴ f (x ) = + 
2 n =1 l 

∞
2 4
+ ∑ 2 2 cos 
nπ x 
f (x ) = 
3 ( 2 ) n =1 n π  l 

1 4 ∞ 1
+ 2 ∑ 2 cos 
nπ x 
f (x ) = 
3 π n =1 n  l 

VSCET
1.58 UNIT I

(
put x = 0 dis. cont. point )
f (0) + f (1) 1 4 ∞ 1
∴ = + 2 ∑ 2
2 3 π n =1 n

∞
1+0 1 4 1
2
= + 2
3 π
∑ n2
n =1

∞
1 π2
⇒ ∑ 2 24 .=
n =1 n

1.13. PARSEVAL’S THEOREM:

1.13.1. STATEMENT:

Let f (x ) be a periodic function with period 2π defined in the interval ( −π , π ) ,

then
π
1 a 02 1 ∞ 2
∑ an + bn2 ,
2
2π ∫ ( f (x )) dx =
4
+
2 n =1
( )
−π

where a0, an and bn are Fourier coefficient of f (x ) .

1.13.2. DEFINITION: ROOT MEAN SQUARE (OR) EFFECTIVE VALUE OF

f (x ) :

b
2
∫ ( f (x )) dx
Let f (x ) be a function defined in (a,b ) then a is called the root
b −a

mean square and is denoted by y . Hence

b
1
( f (x ))2 dx .
b − a a∫
y2 =

MA2211 – TRANSFORMS AND PDE

 FOURIER SERIES 1.59

1.13.3. NOTE:

Parseval’s theorem gives the value of root mean square (RMS) of f (x ) in

terms of its Fourier coefficients.

1.13.4. EXAMPLE:

Find the Fourier series of x 2 in ( −π , π ) . Use parseval’s identity to prove that

π4 1 1 1
= 4
+ 4 + 4 +⋯
90 1 2 3

SOLUTION:

f (x ) = x 2

f (x )is even, ∴ bn = 0

a0 ∞
∴ f (x ) =
2
+ ∑ an cos nx
n =1

∞
2 2π 2
a0 =
π ∫ f (x )dx = 3
0

∞
2 4
π ∫
n
an = f (x )cos nx dx = 2 ( −1)
0
n

π2 ∞
4
∴ f (x ) = + ∑ 2 ( −1)n cos nx
3 n =1 n

By Parseval’s theorem,
π
1 a 02 1 ∞ 2
∑
2
2π ∫ ( f (x )) dx =
4
+ (
2 n =1
an + bn2 )
−π

π
1 4π 4 / 9 1 ∞   4 n
2
2
2π ∫ x 4
dx =
4
+ ∑  
2 n =1   n 2
( − 1 ) 

+ 0 
−π 
π
2 π 4 1 ∞ 16
+ ∑ 4 ( −1)2n
2π ∫0
4
x dx =
9 2 n =1 n

VSCET
1.60 UNIT I

π
1 x 5  π4 ∞
1
  = + 8∑ 4
π  5 0 9 n =1 n

1 π 5 − 0  π 4 ∞
1

π 5 
 =
9
+ 8 ∑ 4
n =1 n

π4 π4 ∞
1
= + 8∑ 4
5 9 n =1 n

∞
1 π4
⇒ ∑ 4 90 .=
n =1 n

1.13.5. EXAMPLE:

Find the sine series for f (x ) = x in 0 < x < π , then using R.M.S. value show that

π2 1 1
=1+ 2
+ 2 +⋯
6 2 3

SOLUTION:

∞
f (x ) = ∑ bn sin nx
n =1

π
2
bn =
π ∫ f (x )sin nx dx
0

−2
= ( −1)n
n
∞
( −1)n +1
∴ f (x ) = 2 ∑ sin nx
n =1 n

Using RMS value,

π
1 a 02 1 ∞ 2
∑ an + bn2
2
2π ∫ ( f (x )) dx =
4
+ (
2 n =1
)
−π

π
1 1 ∞  4 
2π ∫ x 2 dx = 0 + ∑  0 + 2 (1) 
2 n =1  n 
−π

MA2211 – TRANSFORMS AND PDE

 FOURIER SERIES 1.61

π ∞
2 1
∫
2π 0
x 2
dx = 2 ∑ 2
n =1 n

π
1 x 3  ∞
1
 
π  3 0
= 2 ∑ 2
n =1 n

∞
1 1
π3 − 0 = 2∑ 2
( )
3π n =1 n

∞
1 π2
∴ ∑ 2 6. =
n =1 n

1.13.6. EXAMPLE:

Obtain the Fourier series of f (x ) = x 2 in ( −l, l ) . Hence find the value of the series

1 1
4
+ 4 + ⋯.
1 2

SOLUTION:

f (x ) = x 2

f (x )is even

∴ bn = 0
l
2 2l 3
l ∫0
a0 = f (x ) dx =
3

l 2 n
2  nπ x  dx = 4l ( −1)
l ∫0
an = f (x ) cos  
 l  n 2π 2

By Parseval’s theorem,

l
1 a 02 1 ∞ 2
∑
2
2l ∫ ( f (x )) dx =
4
+
2 n =1
(
an + bn2 )
−l

∞
1 π4
Hence we have ∑ n4 =
90
.
n =1

VSCET
1.62 UNIT I

1.14. HARMONIC ANALYSIS:

1.14.1. DEFINITION:

The Fourier series be,

a0 ∞ ∞
f (x ) =
2
+ ∑ an cos nx + ∑ bn sin nx
n =1 n =1

Where

 ∑ f (x ) 
a0 = 2  
 n 

 ∑ f (x )cos nx 
an = 2  
 n 

 ∑ f (x )sin nx 
bn = 2  
 n 

1.15. TYPE I: (GIVEN DATA ARE IN π FORM)

1.15.1. EXAMPLE:

Find the Fourier series up to two harmonic for y = f (x ) in ( 0, 2π ) defined by the

table of values given below:

x: 0 π /3 2π / 3 π 4π / 3 5π / 3 2π

y: 1.98 1.30 1.05 1.30 – 0.88 – 0.25 1.98

SOLUTION:

Since the last value of y is a repetition of the first, only the first six values will

be used.

The Fourier series be,

MA2211 – TRANSFORMS AND PDE

 FOURIER SERIES 1.63

a0 2 2
f (x ) =
2
+ ∑ an cos nx + ∑ bn sin nx
n =1 n =1

a0
= + a1 cos x + a2 cos 2x + b1 sin x + b2 sin 2x
2

cos x cos 2x y sin 2x

x y sin x sin 2x y cos x y sin x y cos 2x

0 1.98 1 0 1 0 1.98 0 1.98 0

π /3 1.3 0.5 0.866 –0.5 0.866 0.65 1.126 –0.65 1.126

2π / 3 1.05 –0.5 0.866 –0.5 –0.866 –0.525 0.909 –0.525 –0.909

π 1.3 –1 0 1 0 –1.3 0 1.3 0

4π / 3 –0.88 –0.5 –0.866 –0.5 0.866 0.44 0.762 0.44 –0.762

5π / 3 –0.25 0.5 –0.866 –0.5 –0.866 –0.125 0.217 0.125 0.2167

∑ 4.5 1.12 3.014 2.67 –0.328

Now,

 ∑y   4.5  = 1.5
a0 = 2   = 2  
 n   6 

 ∑ y cos x   1.12  = 0.373

a1 = 2   = 2  
 n   6 

VSCET
1.64 UNIT I

 ∑ y cos 2x   2.67  = 0.89

a2 = 2   = 2  
 n   6 

 ∑ y sin x   3.014  = 1.005

b1 = 2   = 2  
 n   6 

 ∑ y sin 2x   −0.328  = −0.109

b2 = 2   = 2  
 n   6 

a0
∴ y= + a1 cos x + a2 cos 2x + b1 sin x + b2 sin 2x
2
1.5
= + ( 0.373 ) cos x + ( 0.89 ) cos 2x + (1.005 ) sin x + ( −0.109 ) sin 2x
2

y = 0.75 + ( 0.373 ) cos x + ( 0.89 ) cos 2x + (1.005 ) sin x − ( 0.109 ) sin 2x

1.16. TYPE II: (GIVEN DATA ARE IN DEGREE FORM)

1.16.1. EXAMPLE:

Find the Fourier series up to first harmonic for the following values:

x in degree: 0 60 120 180 240 300 360

y = f (x ) : 40 31 –13.7 20 3.7 –21 40

SOLUTION:

Since the last value of y is a repetition of the first, only the first six values will

be used.

MA2211 – TRANSFORMS AND PDE

 FOURIER SERIES 1.65

x y cos x sin x y cos x y sin x

0 40 1 0 40 0

60 31 0.5 0.866 15.5 26.846

120 –13.7 –0.5 0.866 6.85 –11.864

180 20 –1 0 – 20.00 0

240 3.7 –0.5 –0.866 –1.85 –3.204

300 –21 0.5 –0.866 – 10.5 18.186

∑ 60 30 29.964

Now,

 ∑y   60 
a 0 = 2   = 2   = 20
 n   6 

 ∑ y cos x   30 
a1 = 2   = 2   = 10
 n   6 

 ∑ y sin x   29.964  = 9.988

b1 = 2   = 2  
 n   6 

a0
∴ f (x ) = + a1 cos x + b1 sin x
2
20
f (x ) = + 10 cos x + ( 9.988 ) sin x .
2

VSCET
1.66 UNIT I

1.17. TYPE: III: (GIVEN DATA ARE IN T FORM)

1.17.1. FORMULAE:

2π x
θ =
T

1.17.2. EXAMPLE:

The values of x and the corresponding values of f (x ) over a period T are given

2π x
below, show that f (x ) = 0.75 + 0.37 cos θ + 1.004 sin θ , where θ =
T

x: 0 T/6 T/3 T/2 2T/3 5T/6 T

y = f (x ) 1.98 1.3 1.05 1.3 –0.88 –0.25 1.98

SOLUTION:

First and last value are same. Hence we omit the last value.
a0
The Fourier series be f (x ) = + a1 cos θ + b1 sin θ
2

 ∑y 
Where a 0 = 2  
 n 

 ∑ y cos θ 
a1 = 2  
 n 

 ∑ y sin θ 
b1 = 2   .
 n 

MA2211 – TRANSFORMS AND PDE

 FOURIER SERIES 1.67

2π x y y cos θ y sin θ
x θ = cos θ sin θ
T

0 0 1.98 1 0 1.98 0

T/6 π /3 1.3 0.5 0.866 0.65 1.1258

T/3 2π / 3 1.05 –0.5 0.866 –0.525 0.9093

T/2 π 1.3 –1 0 –1.3 0

2T/3 4π / 3 –0.88 –0.5 –0.866 0.44 0.762

5T/6
5π / 3 –0.25 0.5 –0.866 –0.125 0.2165

∑ 4.5 1.12 3.013

 ∑y   4.5  = 1.5
a0 = 2   = 2  
 n   6 

 ∑ y cos θ   1.12  = 0.37

a1 = 2   = 2  
 n   6 

 ∑ y sin θ   3.013  = 1.005

b1 = 2   = 2  
 n   6 

∴ f (x ) = 0.75 + 0.37 cos θ + 1.005 sin θ .

1.18. TYPE IV: (GIVEN DATA ARE IN l FORM)

1.18.1. EXAMPLE:

VSCET
1.68 UNIT I

Find the constant term and the coeff. of the first sine and cosine terms in the

Fourier expansion of y as given in the following table:

x: 0 1 2 3 4 5

y: 9 18 24 28 26 20

SOLUTION:

Here the length of the interval is 2l = 6 .

∴ l = 3.

a0 ∞ ∞
∑ n  l  n ∑ sin  l 
 nπ x  + b nπ x
∴ f (x ) = + a cos  
2 n =1 n =1

a0
+ a1 cos 
πx   πx 
Here f (x ) =  + b1 sin  
2  3   3 

sin 
πx 
y cos 
πx 
y sin 
πx 
cos 
y πx 
x    
 3   3   3   3 

0 9 1 0 9 0

1 18 0.5 0.866 9 15.588

2 24 –0.5 0.866 –12 20.785

3 28 –1 0 –28 0

4 26 –0.5 –0.866 –13 –22.517

5
20 0.5 –0.866 10 –17.321

∑ 125 –25 –3.465

MA2211 – TRANSFORMS AND PDE

 FOURIER SERIES 1.69

 ∑y   125  = 41.67
a0 = 2   = 2  
 n   6 

 y cos π x
∑
a1 = 2  3 ( )  = 2  −25  = −8.33
 n   6 
 

 y sin π x
∑
b1 = 2  3 ( )  = 2  −3.465  = −1.16
 n   6 
 

41.67
+ ( −8.33 ) cos 
πx   πx .
∴ f (x ) =  + ( −1.16 ) sin  
2  3   3 

1.19. COMPLEX FORM OF FOURIER SERIES:

1.19.1. DEFINITION:

Let f (x ) be a periodic function with period 2π . Then the complex form of

Fourier series in the interval ( 0, 2π ) is given by

∞
f (x ) = ∑ cn e inx
n =−∞

2π
1
∫ f (x )e
−inx
Where cn = dx .
2π 0

1.19.2. NOTE:

(i) In the interval −π < x < π ,

∞ π
1
f (x ) = ∑ cn e inx
, where cn =
2π ∫ f (x )e −inx dx
n =−∞ −π

(ii) In the interval ( 0, 2l )

∞ inπ x 2l −inπ x
1
f (x ) = ∑ cn e l where cn =
2l ∫ f (x )e l dx
n =−∞ 0

VSCET
1.70 UNIT I

(iii) In the interval −l < x < l

∞ inπ x l −inx
1
f (x ) = ∑ cn e l , where cn =
2l ∫ f (x )e l dx .
n =−∞ −l

1.19.3. EXAMPLE:

Find the complex form of Fourier series of the function f (x ) = ex when −π < x < π

and f ( x + 2π ) = f (x ) .

SOLUTION:

∞
The fourier series be f (x ) = ∑ cn e inx
n =−∞

Where
π
1
cn =
2π ∫ f (x )e −inx dx
−π

π
1
∫e
x
= e −inx dx
2π −π

π
1
=
2π ∫ e(1−in )x dx
−π

π
1 e(1−in )x 
=  
2π  (1 − in )  −π

1 e(1−in )π − e −(1−in )π 
=  
2π  (1 − in) 

1 e π e −inπ − e −π e inπ 
=  
2π  (1 − in ) 

1 e π ( −1)n − e −π ( −1)n  ∵e −nπ = cos nπ + i sin nπ 

=    
2π  (1 − in )   = ( −1)n + 0 
 

( −1)n  e π − e −π 
=
π (1 − in )  2 

MA2211 – TRANSFORMS AND PDE
 FOURIER SERIES 1.71

( −1)n
= sinh π
π (1 − in)
∞
∴ f (x ) = ∑ cn e inx
n =−∞

∞
( −1)n
f (x ) = ∑ sinh π e inx
n =−∞ π (1 − in )

1.19.4. EXAMPLE:

Find the Complex form of the Fourier series of f (x ) = e −x in −1 < x < 1 .

SOLUTION:

The Fourier series be

∞ inπ x
f (x ) = ∑ cn e l ,
n =−∞

where

l −inπ x
1
cn =
2l ∫ f (x )e l dx
−l

1
1
2 −∫1
= f (x )e −inπ x dx

1
1
2 −∫1
= e −x e −inπ x dx

1
1
= ∫ e − (1+inπ )x dx
2 −1

1
1  e − (1+ inπ )x 
=  
2  − (1 + inπ ) 
−1

1 e − (1+ inπ ) − e (1+ inπ ) 

=  
2  − (1 + inπ ) 

VSCET
1.72 UNIT I

1 e −1e −inπ − e1e inπ 

=  
2  − (1 + in π ) 

1 e −1 ( −1)n − e 1 ( −1)n 
=  
2 − (1 + inπ ) 

( −1)n e −1 − e 1 
=  
− (1 + inπ )  2 

( −1)n e1 − e −1 
=  
(1 + inπ )  2 

( −1)n
= sinh 1
(1 + inπ )
∞ inπ x
∴ f (x ) = ∑ cn e l
n =−∞

inπ x
∞
( −1)n
f (x ) = ∑ (1 + inπ ) sinh 1e l .
n =−∞

MA2211 – TRANSFORMS AND PDE