Unit-II: Fourier Series

Content:

(1) Introduction of Fourier Series

(2) Dirichlet’s Condition
(3) Fourier Series-related problems in (0, 2π) and (−π, π)
(4) Change of interval:
Fourier Series-related problems in (0, 2l) and (−l, l)
(5) Half range Cosine series-related problems in (0, π) and (0, l)
(6) Half range Sine series-related problems in (0, π) and (0, l)
(7) Parseval’s Theorem (without proof)
- related problems in Fourier series
- related problems in Cosine series
- related problems in Sine series
(8) Harmonic Analysis:
-for finding harmonic in (0, 2π)
-for finding harmonic in (0, 2l)
-for finding harmonic in (0, T )
-for finding Cosine series
-for finding Sine series

1
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
Periodic Function:

A function f (x) is said to be periodic if and only if f (x + p) = f (x) is true for

some value of p and every value of x. The smallest value of p is called the period of
the function.

Examples: (i) sin x is a periodic function with period 2π.

Now sin(2π + x) = sin x, sin(4π + x) = sin x, sin(6π + x) = sin x and so on.

2π is least value. Therefore 2π is the period of sin x.

(ii) cos x is a periodic function with period 2π.

cos(2π + x) = cos x, cos(4π + x) = cos x, cos(6π + x) = cos x and so on.

2π is least value. Therefore 2π is the period of cos x.

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Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

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

tan(π + x) = tan x, tan(2π + x) = tan x and so on.

π is least value. Therefore π is the period of tan x.

Continuity of a function:

Let f be a real function on a subset of the real numbers and a be a point in the
domain of f. Then f is continuous at a if lim f (x) = f (a).
x→a

In other words, if the left-hand limit, right-hand limit and the value of the function
at x = a exist and are equal to each other, i.e., lim− f (x) = f (a) = lim+ f (x) then
x→a x→a
f is said to be continuous at x = a.

Note: A function is said to be continuous in a given interval if there is no break

in the graph of the function in the entire interval range.

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Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Discontinuity of a function:

The function f will be discontinuous at x = a in any of the following cases:

(i) f (a) is not defined. (ii) lim− f (x) and lim+ f (x) exist but are not equal.
x→a x→a

(iii) if either lim− f (x) or lim+ f (x) does not exist.

x→a x→a

Jump Discontinuity (or) Piecewise Discontinuity (or) Sectionally Con-

tinuous

A function is continuous everywhere except for a finite number of jumps in a given

interval is called a piecewise continuous in that interval.

Fourier Series: A development of periodic function into a series of sines and

cosines was effected by French Physicist and Mathematician Joseph Fourier in the
year (1768-1830).

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Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Definition:

If f (x) is a periodic function with period 2π and if f (x) can be represented by a

trigonometric series in the interval c < x < c + 2π, then
a0 P∞ P∞
f (x) = + an cos nx + bn sin nx where the coefficients an and bn are given
2 n=1 n=1
by
c+2π
Z c+2π
Z
1 1
an = f (x) cos nx dx n ≥ 0 and bn = f (x) sin nx dx, n ≥ 1.
π π
c c

Here an and bn are sometimes called Euler formulas.

Note:

(i) The Fourier series for f (x) in (0, 2π) is

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

Z2π Z2π Z2π

1 1 1
a0 = f (x) dx, an = f (x) cos nx dx and bn = f (x) sin nx dx, n ≥ 1.
π π π
0 0 0

(ii) The Fourier series for f (x) in (−π, π) is

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

Zπ Zπ Zπ
1 1 1
a0 = f (x) dx, an = f (x) cos nx dx and bn = f (x) sin nx dx, n ≥ 1.
π π π
−π −π −π

Dirichlet Condition (or) Sufficient condition for f (x):

For a function f (x) can be expanded as a Fourier series. The following conditions
are satisfied:

(1) f (x) is a single valued and finite in (c, c + 2π).

(2) f (x) is continuous or piece-wise continuous with finite number of finite dis-
continuous in (c, c + 2π).
(3) f (x) has a finite number of maxima or minima in (c, c + 2π).

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Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Convergence of Fourier Series:

Let f (x) be defined in (c, c + 2π) and satisfy Dirichlet’s conditions, then f (x) can
a0 P ∞ P∞
be expanded as a Fourier series and f (x) = + an cos nx + bn sin nx.
2 n=1 n=1

Let α be any point in the interval (c, c+2π). Then α is either a point of continuity
or discontinuity of f (x).

• If α is a point of continuity, then the sum of the Fourier series when x = α

is f (α).
• If α is an interior point of discontinuity of f (x), then the sum of the Fourier
1
series when x = α is = [f (α− ) + f (α+ )] .
2
• At an end point of the interval x = c or x = c + 2π the sum of the series is
1
= [f (c+ ) + f (c + 2π − )] .
2
Note: Formulae
R eax
(1) eax cos bx dx = [a cos bx + b sin bx]
a2 + b 2
R eax
(2) eax sin bx dx = 2 [a sin bx − b cos bx]
a + b2 R 0 00 000
(3) Bernoulli’s generalized formula uv dx = uv1 − u v2 + u v3 − u v4 + . . .
1
(4) sin A cos B = [sin(A + B) + sin(A − B)]
2
1
sin A sin B = [cos(A − B) − cos(A + B)]
2
1
cos A cos B = [cos(A + B) + cos(A − B)]
2
1
cos A sin B = [sin(A + B) − sin(A − B)]
2

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Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Problems based on (0, 2π)

 2
π−x
Example 1: Find the Fourier series for f (x) = in 0 < x < 2π. Hence
2
P∞ 1 π2
prove that 2
= .
n=1 n 6
Solution: The Fourier series for f (x) is
a0 P ∞ P∞
f (x) = + an cos nx + bn sin nx where
2 n=1 n=1

Z2π Z2π Z2π

1 1 1
a0 = f (x) dx, an = f (x) cos nx dx and bn = f (x) sin nx dx.
π π π
0 0 0

To find a0 , an and bn

Z2π
1
a0 = f (x) dx
π
0

Z2π  2 2π
1 (π − x)3

1 π−x
= dx =
π 2 4π −3 0
0

1 3 3 π2
=− [−π − π ] = .
12π 6

Z2π
1
an = f (x) cos nx dx
π
0

Z2π  2
1 π−x
= cos nx dx
π 2
0
  2π
1 2 sin nx
 cos nx  − sin nx
= (π − x) . − 2(π − x)(−1) − + (2)
4π n n2 n3 0
 2π
1 sin nx cos nx sin nx
= (π − x)2 . − 2(π − x) 2
−2 3
4π n n n 0
"
1 sin 2π cos 2π sin 2π
= (π − 2π)2 . − 2(π − 2π) 2 − 2 3
4π n n n
  #
2 sin 0 cos 0 sin 0
− (π − 0) . − 2(π − 0) 2 − 2 3
n n n
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Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
  
1 2π 2π
an = 0+ 2 −0− 0− 2 −0 Since cos 2π = 1, sin 2π = 0
4π n n
1 4π 1
= . 2 = 2.
4π n n
Z2π
1
bn = f (x) sin nx dx
π
0

Z2π  2
1 π−x
= sin nx dx
π 2
0

1
 
− cos nx
 
sin nx
  cos nx 2π
2
= (π − x) . − 2(π − x)(−1) − 2 + (−2)
4π n n n3 0
 2π
1 cos nx sin nx cos nx
= −(π − x)2 . − 2(π − x) 2 − 2
4π n n n3 0
"
1 cos 2π sin 2π cos 2π
= − (π − 2π)2 . − 2(π − 2π) 2 − 2 3
4π n n n
 #
cos 0 sin 0 cos 0
− −(π − 0)2 . − 2(π − 0) 2 − 2 3
n n n
 2  2 
1 π 2 π 2
= − +0− 3 − − +0− 3 Since cos 2π = 1, sin 2π = 0
4π n n n n
= 0.
2
π2 P
 ∞  cos nx 
π−x
Therefore = + .
2 12 n=1 n2
π 2 cos x cos 2x cos 3x
⇒ f (x) = + 2 + + + ...
12 1 22 32
P∞ 1 π2
To deduce 2
=
n=1 n 6
Put x = 0 in the Fourier series. But x = 0 is an end point of the interval (0, 2π)
 2
π−x
for the function f (x) = .
2
Therefore the sum of the Fourier series when x = 0 is
1
f (0) = [f (0+) + f (2π−)]
2
" 2  2 #
1 π−0 π − 2π π2
= + =
2 2 2 4
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Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

π2 π2 1 1 1
Therefore = + 2 + + 2 + 2 + ....
4 12 1 2 3
P∞ 1 π2 π2 π2
⇒ 2
= − = .
n=1 n 4 12 6
Example 2: Expand f (x) = x sin x, 0 < x < 2π in a Fourier series. Hence
1 1 1 π−2
deduce the result − + − ... = .
1.3 3.5 5.7 4
Solution: Given f (x) = x sin x

The Fourier series for f (x) is

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

1 2π 1 2π 1 2π
Z Z Z
a0 = f (x) dx, an = f (x) cos nx dx and bn = f (x) sin nx dx.
π 0 π 0 π 0
To find a0 , an and bn
Z2π
1
a0 = f (x) dx
π
0

Z2π
1
= x sin x dx
π
0
1
= [x(− cos x) − 1.(− sin x)]2π
0
π
1
= [−x cos x + sin x]2π0
π
1
= [−2π cos 2π + sin 2π − (0 + 0)]2π
0
π
1
= (−2π) = −2.
π
Z2π
1
an = f (x) cos nx dx
π
0

Z2π
1
= x sin x cos nx dx
π
0

Z2π
1
= x [sin(x + nx) + sin(x − nx)] dx
2π
0
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Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
Z2π
1
an = x [sin(n + 1)x − sin(n − 1)x] dx Since sin(−θ) = − sin θ
2π
0
 
Z2π Z2π
1 
= x sin(n + 1)x dx − x sin(n − 1)x dx
2π
0 0
(    2π
1 − cos(n + 1)x − sin(n + 1)x
= x. − 1.
2π n+1 (n + 1)2 0
    2π )
− cos(n − 1)x − sin(n − 1)x
− x. − 1.
n−1 (n − 1)2 0
( 2π
1 −x cos(n + 1)x sin(n + 1)x
= +
2π n+1 (n + 1)2 0
 2π )
−x cos(n − 1)x sin(n − 1)x
− +
n−1 (n − 1)2 0
(
1 −2π cos(n + 1)2π sin(n + 1)2π
= + −0
2π n+1 (n + 1)2
)
2π cos(n − 1)2π sin(n − 1)2π
+ − −0
n−1 (n − 1)2
 
1 −2π 2π 2
= + = n 6= 1
2π n + 1 n − 1 (n − 1)(n + 1)
Z2π
1
a1 = f (x) cos x dx
π
0

Z2π
1
= x sin x cos x dx
π
0

Z2π
1
= x sin 2x dx Since sin 2θ = 2 sin θ cos θ
2π
0
    2π
1 − cos 2x − sin 2x
= x − 1.
2π 2 4 0

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Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
 2π
1 −x cos 2x sin 2x
a1 = +
2π 2 4 0
 
1 −2π cos 4π sin 4π
= + − (0 + 0)
2π 2 4
1
=− .
2
Z2π
1
bn = f (x) sin nx dx
π
0

Z2π
1
= x sin x sin nx dx
π
0

Z2π
1
= x [cos(x − nx) − cos(x + nx)] dx
2π
0

Z2π
1
= x [cos(n − 1)x − cos(n + 1)x] dx Since cos(−θ) = cos θ
2π
0
 2π 
Z Z2π
1 
= x cos(n − 1)x dx − x cos(n + 1)x dx
2π
0 0
(    2π
1 sin(n − 1)x − cos(n − 1)x
= x. − 1.
2π n−1 (n − 1)2 0
    2π )
sin(n + 1)x − cos(n + 1)x
− x. − 1.
n+1 (n + 1)2 0
( 2π
1 x sin(n − 1)x cos(n − 1)x
= +
2π n−1 (n − 1)2 0
 2π )
x sin(n + 1)x cos(n + 1)x
− +
n+1 (n + 1)2 0
(  
1 2π sin(n − 1)2π cos(n − 1)2π cos 0
= + − 0+
2π n−1 (n − 1)2 (n − 1)2
   )
2π sin(n + 1)2π cos(n + 1)2π cos 0
− + 2
− 0+
n+1 (n + 1) (n − 1)2
  
1 1 1 1 1
= 0+ − − 0+ − =0
2π (n − 1)2 (n − 1)2 (n + 1)2 (n + 1)2
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Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Z2π
1
b1 = f (x) sin x dx
π
0

Z2π
1
= x sin x sin x dx
π
0

Z2π
1
= x sin2 x dx
π
0

Z2π  
1 1 − cos 2x
= x dx
π 2
0
 2π 
Z Z2π
1  
= x dx − cos 2x dx
2π  
0 0
(  2π )
2π
x2
 
1 sin 2x − cos 2x
= − x. − 1.
2π 2 0 2 4 0
 2   
1 4π 2π sin 4π cos 4π cos 0
= − + − 0+
2π 2 2 4 4
  
1 1 1
= 2π 2 − 0 + − = π.
2π 4 4

Therefore
∞
cos x X 2 cos nx
f (x) = −1 − + + π sin x
2 n=2
(n − 1)(n + 1)
"
cos x 1 1
= −1 − + π sin x + 2 cos 2x + cos 3x
2 1.3 2.4
#
1 1
+ cos 4x + cos 5x + . . .
3.5 4.6

1 1 1 π−2
To deduce that − + − ... =
1.3 3.5 5.7 4
π π
Put x = in the Fourier series and x = is a point of continuity for the function
2 2
f (x) = x sin x.
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Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
π
Hence the sum of the Fourier series when x = is
2
π  π π π
f = . sin = .
2 2 2 2
Therefore
"
π 1 π π 1 1
= −1 − . cos + π sin + 2 cos π + 0 + cos 2π
2 2 2 2 1.3 3.5
#
1
+0+ cos 3π + . . .
5.7
 
1 1 1
= −1 + π + 2 − + − + ...
1.3 3.5 5.7
 
π 1 1 1
⇒ − + 1 = −2 − + − ...
2 1.3 3.5 5.7
 
π 1 1 1
⇒ −1=2 − + − ...
2 1.3 3.5 5.7
1 1 1 π−2
− + − ... = .
1.3 3.5 5.7 4

Example
 3: Find the Fourier series to represent the function f (x) given by
x for 0 < x ≤ π π2

1 1 1
f (x) = . Deduce that 2 + 2 + 2 + . . . = .
2π − x for π ≤ x < 2π
 1 3 5 8

Solution: The Fourier series for f (x) is

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

Z2π Z2π Z2π

1 1 1
a0 = f (x) dx, an = f (x) cos nx dx and bn = f (x) sin nx dx.
π π π
0 0 0

To find a0 , an and bn
Z2π
1
a0 = f (x) dx
π
0
 π 
Z Z2π
1
=  f (x) dx + f (x) dx
π
0 π

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Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

 π 
Z Z2π
1
a0 =  x dx + (2π − x) dx
π
0 π
(  2π )
π
x2 (2π − x)2

1
= +
π 2 0 −2 π
 2 
1 π 1
− 0 − 0 − π2

=
π 2 2
 2
π2

1 π
= + = π.
π 2 2
Z2π
1
an = f (x) cos nx dx
π
0
 π 
Z Z2π
1
=  f (x) cos nx dx + f (x) cos nx dx
π
0 π
 π 
Z Z2π
1
=  x cos nx dx + (2π − x) cos nx dx
π
0 π
(  π
1 sin nx − cos nx
= x. − 1.
π n n2 0
  2π )
sin nx − cos nx
+ (2π − x) − (−1).
n n2 π
( π
1 x sin nx cos nx
= +
π n n2 0
 2π )
sin nx cos nx
+ (2π − x) −
n n2 π
(  
1 π sin nπ cos nπ cos 0
= + − 0+ 2
π n n2 n
  )
cos 2nπ  cos nπ 
+ 0− − 0−
n2 n2
 
1 2 cos nπ 1 1
= − 2− 2
π n2 n n
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Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
1 2(−1)n
 
2 2
an = 2
− 2 = {(−1)n − 1}
π n n πn2

0

if n is even
=
 −4 if n is odd

πn2
Z2π
1
bn = f (x) sin nx dx
π
0
 π 
Z Z2π
1
=  f (x) sin nx dx + f (x) sin nx dx
π
0 π
 π 2π

Z Z
1
=  x sin nx dx + (2π − x) sin nx dx
π
0 π
(    π
1 − cos nx − sin nx
= x. − 1.
π n n2 0
    2π )
− cos nx − sin nx
+ (2π − x) − (−1).
n n2 π
( π
1 −x cos nx sin nx
= +
π n n2 0
 2π )
cos nx sin nx
+ −(2π − x) −
n n2 π
(
1 −π cos nπ sin nπ
= + −0
π n n2
   )
sin 2nπ −(2π − π) cos nπ
+ 0− − −0
n2 n
 
1 −π π
= cos nπ + cos nπ = 0.
π n n

Therefore the Fourier series is

π X −4
f (x) = + 2
cos nx
2 odd
πn
 
π 4 1 1 1
= − cos x + 2 cos 3x + 2 cos 5x + . . .
2 π 12 3 5
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Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

1 1 1 π2
To deduce that + + + . . . = .
12 32 52 8
Put x = 0 in the Fourier series. But x = 0 is an end point of the interval (0, 2π)
for the function f (x).

Therefore the sum of the Fourier series when x = 0 is

1
f (0) = [f (0+) + f (2π−)]
2
1
= [0 + 0] = 0.
2

Therefore
 
π 4 1 1 1
0= − cos 0 + 2 cos 0 + 2 cos 0 + . . .
2 π 12 3 5
 
π 4 1 1 1
⇒− =− + + + ...
2 π 12 32 52
1 1 1 π2
⇒ + + + . . . = .
12 32 52 8

Example 4: Expand x(2π − x) as Fourier series in (0, 2π). Deduce the sum of
1 1 1
the series 2 + 2 + 2 + . . . .
1 2 3
Solution: Given f (x) = x(2π − x)

The Fourier series for f (x) is

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

Z2π Z2π Z2π

1 1 1
a0 = f (x) dx, an = f (x) cos nx dx and bn = f (x) sin nx dx.
π π π
0 0 0

To find a0 , an and bn

Z2π
1
a0 = f (x) dx
π
0

Z2π
1
= x(2π − x) dx
π
0
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Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
Z2π
1
a0 = (2πx − x2 ) dx
π
0
2π
x3

1 2
= πx −
π 3 0
8π 3 4π 2
 
1 3
= 4π − = .
π 3 3
Z2π
1
an = f (x) cos nx dx
π
0

Z2π
1
= (2πx − x2 ) cos nx dx
π
0
"    
1 sin nx − cos nx
= (2πx − x2 ) − (2π − 2x)
π n n2
!#2π
− sin nx
+ (−2)
n3
0
" #2π
1 2 sin nx cos nx sin nx
= (2πx − x ) + (2π − 2x) +2 3
π n n2 n
0
"
1 sin 2nπ cos 2nπ sin 2nπ
= (4π 2 − 4π 2 ) + (2π − 4π) + 2
π n n2 n3
 #
2π
− 0 + 2 cos 0 + 0
n
 
1 2π 2π 4
= − 2 − 2 = − 2.
π n n n
Z2π
1
bn = f (x) sin nx dx
π
0

Z2π
1
= (2πx − x2 ) sin nx dx
π
0

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Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
"    
1 2 − cos nx − sin nx
bn = (2πx − x ) − (2π − 2x)
π n n2
!#2π
cos nx
+ (−2)
n3
0
" #2π
1 cos nx sin nx cos nx
= − (2πx − x2 ) + (2π − 2x) 2 − 2
π n n n3
0
"
1 cos 2nπ sin 2nπ cos 2nπ
= − (4π 2 − 4π 2 ) + (2π − 4π) 2
−2
π n n n3
 #
cos 0
− 0+0−2 3
n
 
1 2 2
= − 3 + 3 = 0.
π n n
Therefore
∞
2π 2 X −4
f (x) = + cos nx
3 n=1
n
2π 2
 
cos x cos 2x cos 3x
= −4 + + + ...
3 12 22 32

1 1 1
To deduce the value of 2
+ 2 + 2 + ....
1 2 3
Put x = 0 in the Fourier series.

But x = 0 is end point of the interval (0, 2π) for the function f (x) = x(2π − x).

Therefore the sum of the Fourier series when x = 0 is

1 1
[f (0+) + f (2π−)] = (0 + 0) = 0.
2 2
2π 2
 
cos 0 cos 0 cos 0
Therefore 0 = −4 + 2 + 2 + ...
3 12 2 3
2
 
2π 1 1 1
⇒− = −4 2 + 2 + 2 + . . .
3 1 2 3
1 1 1 π2
⇒ + + + . . . = .
12 22 32 6

Page 18
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Example 5: Obtain the Fourier series for f (x) = e−x in the interval 0 < x < 2π.

Solution: The Fourier series for f (x) is

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

Z2π Z2π Z2π

1 1 1
a0 = f (x) dx, an = f (x) cos nx dx and bn = f (x) sin nx dx.
π π π
0 0 0

To find a0 , an and bn
Z2π
1
a0 = f (x) dx
π
0

Z2π
1
= e−x dx
π
0
2π
1 e−x

=
π −1 0
1
1
= − e−2π − e−0 = (1 − e−2π ).
π π
Z2π
1
an = f (x) cos nx dx
π
0

Z2π
1
= e−x cos nx dx
π
0
2π
e−x

1
= (− cos nx + n sin nx)
π 1 + n2 0
" #
1
= e−2π (cos 2nπ + n sin 2nπ) − e0 (− cos 0 + n sin 0)
π(1 + n2 )
1  −2π 
= e (−1 + 0) − (−1 + 0)
π(1 + n2 )
1
= (1 − e−2π )
π(1 + n2 )

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Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Z2π
1
bn = f (x) sin nx dx
π
0

Z2π
1
= e−x sin nx dx
π
0
2π
e−x

1
= (− sin nx − n cos nx)
π 1 + n2 0
" #
1
= 2
e−2π (− sin 2nπ − n cos 2nπ) − e0 (− sin 0 − n cos 0)
π(1 + n )
1  −2π 
= e (0 − n) − (0 − n)
π(1 + n2 )
n
= 2
(1 − e−2π )
π(1 + n )

Therefore the Fourier series is

∞
−x 1 −2π
X 1
e = (1 − e ) + 2)
(1 − e−2π ) cos nx
2π n=1
π(1 + n
∞
X n
+ 2)
(1 − e−2π ) sin nx
n=1
π(1 + n
" ∞ ∞
#
1 1 X cos nx X sin nx
= (1 − e−2π ) + +
π 2 n=1 1 + n2 n=1 1 + n2


sin x in 0 ≤ x ≤ π

Example 6: If f (x) = . find a Fourier series of periodicity
in π ≤ x < 2π
0

1 1 1
2π and hence evaluate + + + . . . to∞.
1.3 3.5 5.7
Solution:

The Fourier series for f (x) is

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

1 2π 1 2π 1 2π
Z Z Z
a0 = f (x) dx, an = f (x) cos nx dx and bn = f (x) sin nx dx.
π 0 π 0 π 0
Page 20
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

To find a0 , an and bn

 π 
Z Z2π
1  
a0 = f (x) dx + f (x) dx
π 
0 π
 π 
Z Z2π
1  
= sin x dx + 0. dx
π 
0 π
1
= [− cos x]π0
π
1 2
= [− cos π + cos 0] = .
π π
 π 
Z Z2π
1  
an = f (x) cos nx dx + f (x) cos nx dx
π 
0 π
 π 
Z Z2π
1  
= sin x cos nx dx + 0. cos nx dx
π 
0 π
Zπ
1
= [sin(x + nx) + sin(x − nx)] dx
2π
0
Zπ
1
= [sin(1 + n)x + sin(1 − n)x] dx
2π
0
 π
1 cos(1 + n)x cos(1 − n)x
= − −
2π 1+n 1−n 0
  
1 cos(1 + n)π cos(1 − n)π cos 0 cos 0
= − − − − −
2π 1+n 1−n 1+n 1−n
 
1 cos(π + nπ) cos(π − nπ) cos 0 cos 0
= − − + +
2π 1+n 1−n 1+n 1−n
 
1 cos nπ cos nπ 1 1
= + + +
2π 1 + n 1−n 1+n 1−n
Since cos(π + nπ) = − cos nπ, cos(π − nπ) = − cos nπ
 
1 1 n 1 n
= [(−1) + 1] + [(−1) + 1]
2π 1 + n 1−n
[(−1)n + 1]
 
1 1
= +
2π 1+n 1−n
Page 21
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
− [(−1)n + 1]
an =
π(n − 1)(n + 1)

0
 if n is odd, n 6= 1
= −2

 if n is even
π(n − 1)(n + 1)
 π 
Z Z2π
1  
a1 = f (x) cos x dx + f (x) cos x dx
π 
0 π
 π 
Z
1  
= sin x cos x dx + 0
π 
0
Zπ
1
= sin 2x dx Since sin 2θ = 2 sin θ cos θ
2π
0
 π
1 − cos 2x 1
= = [− cos 2π + cos 0] = 0.
2π 2 0 4π
 π 
Z Z2π
1  
bn = f (x) sin nx dx + f (x) sin nx dx
π 
0 π
 π 
Z Z2π
1  
= sin x sin nx dx + 0. cos nx dx
π 
0 π
Zπ
1
= x [cos(x − nx) − cos(x + nx)] dx
2π
0
Zπ
1
= [cos(1 − n)x − cos(1 + n)x] dx
2π
0
 π
1 sin(1 − n)x sin(1 + n)x
= −
2π 1−n 1+n 0
  
1 sin(1 − n)π sin(1 + n)π sin 0 sin 0
= − − −
2π 1−n 1+n 1−n 1+n
 
1 sin nπ sin nπ
= + − 0 + 0 = 0.
2π 1 − n 1+n
Since sin(π − nπ) = sin nπ, sin(π + nπ) = − sin nπ

Page 22
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
 π 
Z Z2π
1  
b1 = f (x) sin x dx + f (x) sin x dx
π 
0 π
Zπ Zπ
1 1
= sin x sin x dx = sin2 x dx
π π
0 0
Zπ  
1 1 − cos 2x
= dx
π 2
0
 π 
Z Zπ
1  
= dx − cos 2x dx
2π  
0 0
  π 
1 π sin 2x
= [x]0 −
2π 2 0
 
1 1 1
= (π − 0) − (sin 2π − sin 0) = .
2π 2 2
Therefore
1 2 X 1 1
f (x) = − cos nx + sin x
π π n=even (n − 1)(n + 1) 2
"
1 1 2 1 1
= + sin x − cos 2x + cos 4x
π 2 π 1.3 3.5
#
1 1
+ cos 6x + cos 8x + . . .
5.7 7.9

1 1 1
To deduce + + + ...
1.3 3.5 5.7
Put x = 0 in the Fourier series and x = 0 is an end point the of the interval
(0, 2π). Therefore the sum of the Fourier series when x = 0 is
1 1
f (0) = [f (0+) + f (2π−)] = [sin 0 + 0] = 0. Therefore
2 " 2 #
1 2 1 1 1 1
0= − cos 0 + cos 0 + cos 0 + cos 0 + . . .
π π 1.3 3.5 5.7 7.9
" #
1 2 1 1 1 1
− =− + + + + ...
π π 1.3 3.5 5.7 7.9
1 1 1 1 1
⇒ + + + + ... = .
1.3 3.5 5.7 7.9 2

Page 23
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Problems based on (−π, π)


−π, −π < x < 0

Example 1: Find the Fourier series for f (x) = .
x,

0<x<π

1 1 1 π2
Deduce that + + + . . . = .
12 32 52 8
Solution: The Fourier series for f (x) is
a0 P ∞ P∞
f (x) = + an cos nx + bn sin nx where
2 n=1 n=1

Zπ Zπ Zπ
1 1 1
a0 = f (x) dx, an = f (x) cos nx dx and bn = f (x) sin nx dx.
π π π
−π −π −π

To find a0 , an and bn

Zπ
1
a0 = f (x) dx
π
−π
 0 
Z Zπ
1  
= f (x) dx + f (x) dx
π 
−π 0
 0 
Z Zπ
1  
= −π dx + x dx
π 
−π 0
  2 π 
1 0 x
= −π [x]−π +
π 2 0
π2
 
1 π
= −π(0 + π) + −0 =− .
π 2 2
Zπ
1
an = f (x) cos nx dx
π
−π
 0 
Z Zπ
1  
= f (x) cos nx dx + f (x) cos nx dx
π 
−π 0
 0 
Z Zπ
1  
= −π cos nx dx + x cos nx dx
π 
−π 0
Page 24
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

(  0   π )
1 sin nx sin nx − cos nx
an = −π + x. − 1.
π n −π n n2 0
( "   #)
1 −π π sin nπ cos nx cos 0
= (sin 0 − sin(−nπ)) + + − 0+ 2
π n n n2 n
(−1)n
 
1 1 1
= 0+ − = [(−1)n − 1]
π n2 n2 πn2

0

if n is even
=
 −2 if n is odd

πn2

Zπ
1
bn = f (x) sin nx dx
π
−π
 0 
Z Zπ
1  
= f (x) sin nx dx + f (x) sin nx dx
π 
−π 0
 0 
Z Zπ
1  
= −π sin nx dx + x sin nx dx
π 
−π 0
(  0   π )
1 − cos nx − cos nx − sin nx
= −π + x. − 1.
π n −π n n2 0
( " #)
1 π −π cos nπ sin nx
= (cos 0 − cos(−nπ)) + + −0
π n n n2
( )
1 π π 1
= [1 − (−1)n ] − (−1)n = [1 − 2(−1)n ]
π n n n

Therefore the Fourier series is

X −2 ∞
π X 1
f (x) = − + 2
cos nx + [1 − 2(−1)n ] sin nx
4 n is odd πn n=1
n
 
π 2 cos x cos 3x cos 5x
=− − + + + ...
4 π 12 32 52
 
1 1
+ 3 sin x − sin 2x + sin 3x − sin 4x + . . .
2 4
Page 25
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

1 1 1 π2
To deduce the series + + + . . . = .
12 32 52 8
Put x = 0 in the Fourier series. But x = 0 is not defined and so f (x) is discon-
tinuous atx = 0.

Hence the sum of the Fourier series when x = 0 is

1 1 π
[f (0−) + f (0+)] = [−π + 0] = − .
2 2 2

Therefore
 
π π 2 cos 0 cos 0 cos 0
− =− − + 2 + 2 + ...
2 4 π 12 3 5
 
π 2 1 1 1
⇒− =− + + + ...
4 π 12 32 52
1 1 1 π2
⇒ + + + . . . = .
12 32 52 8

0, −π ≤ x ≤ 0

Example 2: Find the Fourier series for f (x) defined by f (x) = .
sin x, 0 ≤ x ≤ π


1 1 1
Hence deduce the values of (i) + + + ...
1.3 3.5 5.7
1 1 1
(ii) − + − ...
1.3 3.5 5.7
Solution: The Fourier series for f (x) is
a0 P ∞ P∞
f (x) = + an cos nx + bn sin nx where
2 n=1 n=1

Zπ Zπ Zπ
1 1 1
a0 = f (x) dx, an = f (x) cos nx dx and bn = f (x) sin nx dx.
π π π
−π −π −π

To find a0 , an and bn
Zπ
1
a0 = f (x) dx
π
−π
 0 
Z Zπ
1  
= f (x) dx + f (x) dx
π 
−π 0
Page 26
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
 0 
Z Zπ
1  
a0 = 0 dx + sin x dx
π 
−π 0

1
= [− cos x]π0
π
1 2
= − {cos π − cos 0} = .
π π
Zπ
1
an = f (x) cos nx dx
π
−π
 0 
Z Zπ
1  
= f (x) cos nx dx + f (x) cos nx dx
π 
−π 0
 0 
Z Zπ
1  
= 0. cos nx dx + sin x cos nx dx
π 
−π 0
 π 
Z
1  
= [sin(x + nx) + sin(x − nx)] dx
π 
0
 π 
Z
1  
= [sin(n + 1)x − sin(n − 1)x] dx
2π  
0
 π
1 − cos(n + 1)x cos(n − 1)x
= +
2π n+1 n−1 0
  
1 − cos(n + 1)π cos(n − 1)π − cos 0 cos 0
= + − +
2π n+1 n−1 n+1 n−1
(−1)n+1 (−1)n−1
 
1 1 1
= − + + −
2π n+1 n−1 n+1 n−1
    
1 n 1 1 1 1
= (−1) − + −
2π n+1 n−1 n+1 n−1
 
1 n 1 1
= [(−1) + 1] −
2π n+1 n−1
 
1 n n−1−n−1
= [(−1) + 1]
2π (n + 1)(n − 1)
− [(−1)n + 1]
=
π(n + 1)(n − 1)

0
 if n = 3, 5, 7, . . .
= −2 Page 27

 if n = 2, 4, 6, . . .
π(n − 1)(n + 1)
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
Zπ
1
a1 = f (x) cos x dx
π
−π
 0 
Z Zπ
1  
= f (x) cos nx dx + f (x) cos nx dx
π 
−π 0
 0 
Z Zπ
1  
= 0. cos nx dx + sin x cos x dx
π 
−π 0
Zπ
1
= sin 2x dx Since sin 2θ = 2 sin θ cos θ
π
0
 π
1 − cos 2x
=
2π 2 0
 
1 − cos 2π cos 0
= +
2π 2 2
 
1 1 1
= − + = 0.
2π 2 2
Zπ
1
bn = f (x) sin nx dx
π
−π
 0 
Z Zπ
1  
= f (x) sin nx dx + f (x) sin nx dx
π 
−π 0
 0 
Z Zπ
1  
= 0. sin nx dx + sin x sin nx dx
π 
−π 0
 π 
Z
1  
= [cos(x − nx) − cos(x + nx)] dx
π 
0
 π 
Z
1  
= [cos(n − 1)x − cos(n + 1)x] dx
2π  
0
 π
1 sin(n − 1)x sin(n + 1)x
= −
2π n−1 n+1 0

Page 28
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
  
1 sin(n − 1)π sin(n + 1)π sin 0 sin 0
bn = − − − = 0.
2π n−1 n+1 n−1 n+1
Zπ
1
b1 = f (x) sin x dx
π
−π
 0 
Z Zπ
1  
= f (x) sin x dx + f (x) sin x dx
π 
−π 0
 0 
Z Zπ
1  
= 0. sin x dx + sin x sin x dx
π 
−π 0
Zπ  π
1 1 sin 2x 1
= (1 − cos 2x) dx = x− = .
2π 2π 2 0 2
0

Therefore the Fourier series is

1 X −2 1
f (x) = + cos nx + sin x
π n is even π(n − 1)(n + 1) 2
 
1 1 2 cos 2x cos 4x cos 6x
= + sin x − + + + ...
π 2 π 1.3 3.5 5.7

1 1 1
To deduce the series (i) + + + ...
1.3 3.5 5.7
Put x = 0 in the series and it is a point of continuity for f (x).

Therefore the sum of the Fourier series when x = 0 is f (0) = 0

Therefore
 
1 1 2 cos 0 cos 0 cos 0
0 = + sin 0 − + + + ...
π 2 π 1.3 3.5 5.7
 
1 2 1 1 1
− =− + + + ...
π π 1.3 3.5 5.7
1 1 1 1
⇒ + + + ... = .
1.3 3.5 5.7 2

1 1 1
To deduce the series (ii) − + − ...
1.3 3.5 5.7
π
Put x = in the series and it is a point of continuity for f (x).
2
Page 29
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
π π  π 
Therefore the sum of the Fourier series when x = is f = sin =1
2 2 2
Therefore
 
1 1 π 2 cos π cos 2π cos 3π
1 = + sin − + + + ...
π 2 2 π 1.3 3.5 5.7
 
1 1 2 1 1 1
1= + − − + − + ...
π 2 π 1.3 3.5 5.7
 
1 1 2 1 1 1
= + − + − ...
2 π π 1.3 3.5 5.7
 
π−2 2 1 1 1
= − + − ...
2π π 1.3 3.5 5.7
1 1 1 π−2
⇒ − + − ... = .
1.3 3.5 5.7 4

−k, when − π < x < 0

Example 3: If f (x) = .
k,

when 0 < x < π

and f (x + 2π) = f (x) for all x, derive the Fourier series for f (x). Deduce that
1 1 1 π
1− + − + ... = .
3 5 7 4
Solution: The Fourier series for f (x) is
a0 P ∞ P∞
f (x) = + an cos nx + bn sin nx where
2 n=1 n=1

Zπ Zπ Zπ
1 1 1
a0 = f (x) dx, an = f (x) cos nx dx and bn = f (x) sin nx dx.
π π π
−π −π −π

To find a0 , an and bn
Zπ
1
a0 = f (x) dx
π
−π
 0 
Z Zπ
1  
= f (x) dx + f (x) dx
π 
−π 0
 0 
Z Zπ
1  
= −k dx + k dx
π 
−π 0
Page 30
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
1
a0 = −k [x]0−π + k [x]π0
π
1
= {−k(0 + π) + k(π − 0)} = 0.
π
Zπ
1
an = f (x) cos nx dx
π
−π
 0 
Z Zπ
1  
= f (x) cos nx dx + f (x) cos nx dx
π 
−π 0
 0 
Z Zπ
1  
= −k cos nx dx + k cos nx dx
π 
−π 0
(  0  π )
1 sin nx sin nx
= −k +k
π n −π n 0
( )
1 −k k
= (sin 0 − sin(−nπ)) + (sin nπ − sin 0)
π n n

= 0. Since sin(−nπ) = sin nπ = 0

Zπ
1
bn = f (x) sin nx dx
π
−π
 0 
Z Zπ
1  
= f (x) sin nx dx + f (x) sin nx dx
π 
−π 0
 0 
Z Zπ
1  
= −k sin nx dx + k sin nx dx
π 
−π 0
(  0  π )
1 − cos nx − cos nx
= −k +k
π n −π n 0
( )
1 k k
= (cos 0 − cos(−nπ)) − (cos nπ − cos 0)
π n n
( )
1 k k
= [1 − (−1)n ] − [(−1)n − 1] , Since cos(−nπ) = cos nπ
π n n

Page 31
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
k 2k
bn = [1 − (−1)n − (−1)n + 1] = [1 − (−1)n ]
nπ nπ

0

if n is even
=
 4k if n is odd

nπ

Therefore the Fourier series is

X 4k
f (x) = sin nx
n=odd
nπ
 
4k sin x sin 3x sin 5x
= + + + ...
π 1 3 5

1 1 1 π
To deduce the series 1 − + − + ... = .
3 5 7 4
π π
Put x = in the Fourier series and x = is a point of continuity for the function.
2 2
π π 
Hence the sum of the Fourier series when x = is f = k. Therefore
2 2

" #
4k sin π2 sin 3 π2 π




sin 5 2
k= + + + ...
π 1 3 5
 
4 1 1 1
⇒1 = − + − ...
π 12 3 5
1 1 1 π
⇒ + + − ... = .
1 3 5 4

Example 4: Find the Fourier series of f (x) = ex in the interval (−π, π) of period-
icity 2π.

Solution: The Fourier series for f (x) is

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

Zπ Zπ Zπ
1 1 1
a0 = f (x) dx, an = f (x) cos nx dx and bn = f (x) sin nx dx.
π π π
−π −π −π
Page 32
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

To find a0 , an and bn
Zπ
1
a0 = ex dx
π
−π

1 xπ 1 π
e − e−π


= [e ]−π =
π π
2 ex − e−x
= sinh π. Since sinh x =
π 2
Zπ
1
an = ex cos nx dx
π
−π
 x π
1 e
= (cos nx + n sin nx)
π 1 + n2 −π
" #
1
= eπ (cos nπ + n sin nπ) − e−π (cos nπ − n sin nπ)
π(1 + n2 )
1  π n −π n

= e ((−1) + 0) − e ((−1) + 0)
π(1 + n2 )
(−1)n π −π 2(−1)n
= (e − e ) = sinh π.
π(1 + n2 ) π(1 + n2 )
Zπ
1
bn = ex sin nx dx
π
−π
 x π
1 e
= (sin nx − n cos nx)
π 1 + n2 −π
" #
1
= eπ (sin nπ − n cos nπ) − e−π (− sin nπ − n cos nπ)
π(1 + n2 )
1  π n −π n

= e (0 − n(−1) ) − e (0 − n(−1) )
π(1 + n2 )
−(−1)n n π −π −2(−1)n n
= (e − e ) = sinh π.
π(1 + n2 ) π(1 + n2 )
Therefore the Fourier series is
∞ ∞
x 1 X 2(−1)n X −2(−1)n n
e = sinh π + sinh π cos nx + sinh π sin nx
π n=1
π(1 + n2 ) n=1
π(1 + n2 )
" ∞
#
sinh π X 2(−1)n
= 1+ 2)
(cos nx − n sin nx)
π n=1
π(1 + n
Page 33
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Even and Odd Functions

A function f (x) defined in the interval (−a, a) is said be even if f (−x) = f (x)
and odd if f (−x) = −f (x) for all x ∈ (−a, a).

0; if f (x) is odd function of x

Za 

a
Therefore f (x) dx = Z
−a


 2 f (x) dx; if f (x) is even function of x

0

Example:

Note:

(1) If f (x) is an odd function of x, then the Fourier Coefficients a0 = 0, an = 0

Zπ
2
and bn = f (x) sin nx dx.
π
0
∞
P
Hence the resulting Fourier series is a sine series and f (x) = bn sin nx.
n=1
(2) If f (x) is an even function of x, then the Fourier Coefficients bn = 0,
Zπ Zπ
2 2
a0 = f (x) dx and an = f (x) cos nx dx.
π π
0 0
Hence the resulting Fourier series is a cosine series and
a0 P ∞
f (x) = + an cos nx.
2 n=1
Page 34
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Example 5:

Expand f (x) = x2 , when −π < x < π, in a Fourier series of periodicity 2π. Hence
deduce that
1 1 1 π2
(i) + + + . . . to ∞ = .
12 22 32 6
1 1 1 π2
(ii) 2 − 2 + 2 − . . . to ∞ = .
1 2 3 12
1 1 1 π2
(iii) 2 + 2 + 2 + . . . to ∞ = .
1 3 5 8
Solution: Given the function is an even function. Therefore bn = 0.
a0 P ∞
The Fourier Cosine series is f (x) = + an cos nx
2 n=1

Zπ Zπ
2 2
where a0 = f (x)dx and an = f (x) cos nxdx.
π π
0 0

To find a0 , an :

Zπ
2
a0 = x2 dx
π
0
π
x3

2
=
π 3 0
2
2π
=
3
Zπ
2
an = x2 cos nxdx
π
0
      π
2 2 sin nx − cos nx − sin nx
= x − 2x +2
π n n n3 0
 2 π
2 x sin nx 2x cos nx 2 sin nx
= + −
π n n n3 0
 
2 2π cos nπ
= , since sin 0 = sin nπ = 0
π n
4(−1)n
=
n2
Page 35
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Therefore the Fourier Cosine series is

∞
π2 X 4
x2 = + (−1)n 2 cos nx
3 n=1
n
π2
 
cos x cos 2x cos 3x cos 4x
= +4 − 2 + − + − ...
3 1 22 32 42
π2
 
cos x cos 2x cos 3x cos 4x
= −4 − + − + ...
3 12 22 32 42

1 1 1 π2
(i) To deduce + + + . . . to ∞ = .
12 22 32 6
Put x = π in the Fourier series and x = π is an end point of the (−π, π) for the
function f (x).

Therefore the sum of the Fourier series when x = π is

1 1
(−π 2 )2 + π 2 = π 2 .

[f (−π+) + f (π−)] =
2 2
Hence
π2
 
2 cos π cos 2π cos 3π cos 4π
π = −4 − + − + ...
3 12 22 32 42
π2
 
1 1 1 1
π2 − = −4 − 2 − 2 − 2 − 2 − . . .
3 1 2 3 4
2π 2
 
1 1 1 1
= 4 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + ...
3 1 2 3 4

1 1 1 1 π2
+ ⇒+ + + . . . = . (1)
12 22 32 42 6
1 1 1 π2
(ii) To deduce 2 − 2 + 2 − . . . to ∞ = .
1 2 3 12
Put x = 0 in the Fourier series and x = 0 is an interior point of continuity for
f (x).

Therefore the sum of the Fourier series when x = 0 is f (0) = 0. Hence

π2
 
cos 0 cos 0 cos 0 cos 0
0= −4 − 2 + 2 − 2 + ...
3 12 2 3 4
π2
 
1 1 1 1
− = −4 2 − 2 + 2 − 2 + . . .
3 1 2 3 4
Page 36
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

1 1 1 1 π2
−⇒ + − + . . . = . (2)
12 22 32 42 12
1 1 1 π2
(iii) To deduce 2 + 2 + 2 + . . . to ∞ = .
1 3 5 8
Adding (1) and (2), we get

1 1 1 π2 π2
2. + 2. + 2. + . . . = +
12 32 52 6 12
π2
 
1 1 1
2 2 + 2 + 2 + ... =
1 3 5 4
1 1 1 π2
+ + + . . . to ∞ = .
12 32 52 8
Example 6:

Find the Fourier series of f (x) = x+x2 in (−π, π) of periodicity 2π. Hence deduce
P 1 π2
that = .
n2 6
Solution: Given the function f (x) is neither even nor odd.
a0 P ∞ P∞
Let f (x) = + an cos nx + bn sin nx
2 n=1 n=1

Zπ Zπ Zπ
1 1 1
where a0 = f (x)dx, an = f (x) cos nxdx and bn = f (x) sin nxdx.
π π π
−π −π −π

To find a0 , an , bn :
Zπ Zπ Zπ
1 1 1
a0 = (x + x2 )dx = xdx + x2 dx
π π π
−π −π −π
Zπ
2
=0+ x2 dx, since x is odd and x2 is even.
π
0
2
2π
= .
3

Page 37
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Zπ
1
an = (x + x2 ) cos nxdx
π
−π
Zπ Zπ
1 1
= x cos nxdx + x2 cos nxdx
π π
−π −π
Zπ
2
=0+ x2 cos nxdx, since x cos nx is odd
π
0
      π
2 2 sin nx − cos nx − sin nx
= x − 2x +2
π n n n3 0
 2 π
2 x sin nx 2x cos nx 2 sin nx
= + −
π n n n3 0
 
2 2π cos nπ
= , since sin 0 = sin nπ = 0
π n
4(−1)n
=
n2
Zπ
1
bn = (x + x2 ) sin nxdx
π
−π
Zπ Zπ
1 1
= x sin nxdx + x2 sin nxdx
π π
−π −π
Zπ
2
= x sin nxdx + 0, since x2 sin nx is odd
π
0
    π
2 − cos nx − sin nx
= x −1
π n n 0
 π
2 −x cos nx sin nx
= +
π n n 0
 
2 −π cos nπ
= , since sin 0 = sin nπ = 0
π n
−2(−1)n
=
n

Page 38
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Therefore
∞ 
π 2 X 4(−1)n 2(−1)n

2
x+x = + 2
cos nx − sin nx
3 n=1
n n
2
 
π cos x cos 2x cos 3x cos 4x
= +4 − 2 + − + − ...
3 1 22 32 42
 
sin x sin 2x sin 3x sin 4x
−2 − + − + − ...
1 2 3 4
P 1 π2
To deduce that = .
n2 6
Put x = π in the Fourier series and x = π is an end point of the (−π, π) for the
function f (x). Therefore the sum of the Fourier series when x = π is
1
= [f (−π+) + f (π−)]
2
1
(−π + π 2 ) + (π + π 2 ) = π 2 .

=
2
Hence
π2
 
2 cos π cos 2π cos 3π cos 4π
π = +4 − 2 + − + − ...
3 1 22 32 42
 
sin π sin 2π sin 3π sin 4π
−2 − + − + − ...
1 2 3 4
π2
 
2 1 1 1 1
π − = 4 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + . . . Since sin π = sin 2π = . . . = 0
3 1 2 3 4
2π 2 X 1
=4
3 n2
X 1 π2
⇒ = .
n2 6
Example 7: Find the Fourier series to represent (x − x2 ) in the interval (−π, π).
1 1 1 1
Deduce the value of 2 − 2 + 2 − 2 + · · · .
1 2 3 4
Solution: Given the function f (x) is neither even nor odd.
a0 P ∞ P∞
Let f (x) = + an cos nx + bn sin nx
2 n=1 n=1

Zπ Zπ Zπ
1 1 1
where a0 = f (x)dx, an = f (x) cos nxdx and bn = f (x) sin nxdx.
π π π
−π −π −π
Page 39
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

To find a0 , an , bn :
Zπ Zπ Zπ
1 1 1
a0 = (x − x2 )dx = xdx − x2 dx
π π π
−π −π −π
Zπ
2
=0− x2 dx, since x is odd and x2 is even
π
0
2
−2π
= .
3
Zπ Zπ Zπ
1 1 1
an = (x − x2 ) cos nxdx = x cos nxdx − x2 cos nxdx
π π π
−π −π −π
Zπ
2
=0− x2 cos nxdx, since x cos nx is odd
π
0
      π
2 2 sin nx − cos nx − sin nx
=− x − 2x +2
π n n n3 0
 2 π
2 x sin nx 2x cos nx 2 sin nx
=− + −
π n n n3 0
 
2 2π cos nπ
=− , since sin 0 = sin nπ = 0
π n
−4(−1)n
=
n2
Zπ Zπ Zπ
1 2 1 1
bn = (x − x ) sin nxdx = x sin nxdx − x2 sin nxdx
π π π
−π −π −π
Zπ
2
= x sin nxdx − 0, since x2 sin nx is odd
π
0
    π
2 − cos nx − sin nx
= x −1
π n n 0
 π
2 −x cos nx − sin nx
= +
π n n 0
 
2 −π cos nπ
=
π n
−2(−1)n
=
n
Page 40
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Therefore

∞ 
π 2 X −4(−1)n 2(−1)n

2
x−x =− + cos nx − sin nx
3 n=1
n2 n
π2
 
cos x cos 2x cos 3x cos 4x
= −4 − 2 + − + − ...
3 1 22 32 42
 
sin x sin 2x sin 3x sin 4x
−2 − + − + − ...
1 2 3 4

1 1 1 1
To deduce 2
− 2 + 2 − 2 + ....
1 2 3 4
Put x = 0 in the Fourier series and x = 0 is an interior point of continuity for
f (x).

Therefore the sum of the Fourier series when x = 0 is f (0) = 0. Hence

π2
 
cos 0 cos 0 cos 0 cos 0
0 = − − 4 − 2 + 2 − 2 + 2 − ...
3 1 2 3 4
 
sin 0 sin 0 sin 0 sin 0
−2 − + − + − ...
1 2 3 4
π2
 
1 1 1 1
= 4 2 − 2 + 2 − 2 + ...
3 1 2 3 4
1 1 1 1 π2
⇒ − + − + · · · = .
12 22 32 42 12

Example 8: Determine the Fourier series for the function


−1 + x, −π < x < 0

f (x) = .
1 + x,

0<x<π

Solution: The function f (x) is given in the symmetrical interval (−π, π).


−1 − x, −π < −x < 0

f (−x) =
1 − x,

0 < −x < π
Page 41
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

−(1 + x),

π>x>0
f (−x) =
−(−1 + x), 0 > x > −π


−(−1 + x), −π < x < 0

=
−(1 + x),

0<x<π

= −f (x)

Therefore f (x) is an odd function in (−π, π) and Hence a0 = 0, an = 0.

∞
P
Therefore the Fourier sine series is f (x) = bn sin nx
n=1

Zπ
2
where bn = f (x) sin nx dx.
π
0

Zπ
2
bn = (1 + x) sin nx dx
π
0
    π
2 − cos nx − sin nx
= (1 + x) − 1.
π n n2 0
 π
2 −(1 + x) cos nx sin nx
= +
π n n2 0
  
2 −(1 + π) cos nπ sin nπ − cos 0
= + − +0
π n n2 n
 
2 −(1 + π) n 1
= (−1) +
π n n
2
= [1 − (1 + π)(−1)n ]
nπ
∞ 2
[1 − (1 + π)(−1)n ] .
P
Therefore the Fourier sine series is f (x) =
n=1 nπ
Example 9: If

2x
1 + , if −π ≤ x ≤ 0

f (x) = π .
1 − 2x
, if 0 ≤ x ≤ π

π
 
8 1 1
Show that f (x) = 2 cos x + 2 cos 3x + 2 cos 5x + . . . .
π 3 5
Page 42
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

∞ π2
(2n − 1)−2 =
P
Hence show that .
n=1 8
Solution: The function f (x) is given in the symmetrical interval (−π, π).

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

Therefore f (x) is an even function in (−π, π) and Hence bn = 0.

a0 P ∞
Therefore the Fourier cosine series is f (x) = + an cos nx
2 n=1

Zπ Zπ
2 2
where a0 = f (x) dx and an = f (x) cos nx dx.
π π
0 0

Zπ  
2 2x
a0 = 1− dx
π π
0
π
x2

2
= x− = 0.
π π 0
Zπ  
2 2x
an = 1− cos nx dx
π π
0
     π
2 2x sin nx 2  cos nx 
= 1− − − −
π π n π n2 0
  π
2 2x sin nx 2 cos nx
= 1− −
π π n π n2 0
Page 43
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
   
2 2π sin nπ 2 cos nπ 2 cos 0
an = 1− − − 0− 2
π π n π n2 nπ
 
2 −2 2
= 2
(−1)n + 2
π πn πn
4
= [1 − (−1)n ]
πn2

0;

if n is even
=
 8 ; if n is odd

π 2 n2

Therefore the Fourier Cosine series is

X 8
f (x) = cos nx
n=odd
π 2 n2
 
8 cos x cos 3x cos 5x
= 2 + + + ...
π 12 32 52

∞ π2
(2n − 1)−2 =
P
To deduce .
n=1 8
Put x = 0 in the Fourier series, since x = 0 ia a point of continuity, as f (0−) =
1 = f (0+) and f (0) = 1, the sum of the Fourier series when x = 0 is f (0) = 1.
Therefore
 
8 cos 0 cos 0 cos 0
1= 2 + 2 + 2 + ...
π 12 3 5
 
8 1 1 1
= 2 2 + 2 + 2 + ...
π 1 3 5
1 1 1 π2
⇒ + + + . . . = .
12 32 52 8

Example 10: In −π < x < π, express sinh ax and cosh ax in Fourier series of
periodicity 2π.
ex − e−x ex + e−x
Solution: We know that sinh x = and cosh x = .
2 2
eax − e−ax
Therefore f (x) = sinh ax =
2
ea(−x) − e−a(−x)
f (−x) = sinh a(−x) =
2
Page 44
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

e−ax − eax −(eax − e−ax )

⇒ f (−x) = = = −f (x).
2 2
Hence sinh ax is an odd function. Since f (−x) = −f (x).

Similarly cosh ax is an even function. Since f (−x) = f (x).

(i) The Fourier sine series for f (x) = sinh ax is

∞
Zπ
P 2
f (x) = bn sin nx where bn = f (x) sin nx dx.
n=1 π
0

Zπ
2
bn = sinh ax sin nx dx
π
0
Zπ 
eax − e−ax

2
= sin nx dx
π 2
0
 π 
Z Zπ
1 
ax −ax

= e sin nx dx − e sin nx dx
π 
0 0
" #π
1 eax e−ax
= (a sin nx − n cos nx) − 2 (−a sin nx − n cos nx)
π a2 + n 2 a + n2
0
"
1
= eaπ (a sin nπ − n cos nπ) − e−aπ (−a sin nπ − n cos nπ)
π(a + n2 )
2

#
e0 (a sin 0 − n cos 0) − e−0 (−a sin 0 − n cos 0)


−
" #
1
= eaπ (0 − n(−1)n ) − e−aπ (0 − n(−1)n ) − (0 − n − (0 − n))
π(a2 + n2 )
1  n aπ n −aπ

= −n(−1) e + n(−1) e
π(a2 + n2 )
−n(−1)n aπ −aπ

−2n(−1)n
= e − e = sinh aπ.
π(a2 + n2 ) π(a2 + n2 )
P∞ −2n(−1)n
Hence sinh ax = 2 2
sinh aπ sin ax.
n=1 π(a + n )

Page 45
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

(ii) The Fourier cosine series for f (x) = cosh ax is

a0 P ∞
f (x) = + an cos nx where
2 n=1

Zπ Zπ
2 2
a0 = f (x) dx, an = f (x) cos nx dx.
π π
0 0

Zπ
2
a0 = cosh ax dx
π
0
 π
2 sinh ax
=
π a 0
2
= sinh aπ. Since sinh 0 = 0
πa
Zπ
2
an = cosh ax cos nx dx
π
0
Zπ 
eax + e−ax

2
= cos nx dx
π 2
0
 π 
Z Zπ
1 
ax −ax

= e cos nx dx + e cos nx dx
π 
0 0
" #π
1 eax e−ax
= (a cos nx + n sin nx) + 2 (−a cos nx + n sin nx)
π a2 + n 2 a + n2
0
"
1
= eaπ (a cos nπ + n sin nπ) + e−aπ (−a cos nπ + n sin nπ)
π(a + n2 )
2

#
e0 (a cos 0 + n sin 0) + e−0 (−a cos 0 + n sin 0)


−
" #
1
= eaπ (a(−1)n + 0) + e−aπ (−a(−1)n + 0) − (a + 0 − a + 0)
π(a2 + n2 )
" #
1
= 2 2
aeaπ (−1)n − ae−aπ (−1)n
π(a + n )
a(−1)n aπ −aπ

2a(−1)n
= e − e = sinh aπ.
π(a2 + n2 ) π(a2 + n2 )
Page 46
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

1 ∞
P 2a(−1)n
Hence cosh ax = + sinh aπ sin nx.
πa n=1 π(a2 + n2 )
Note:

Example 11: Find the Fourier series for f (x) = |sin x| in (−π, π) of periodicity
2π.

Solution:

f (x) = |sin x| is an even function. Therefore bn = 0.

a0 P ∞
Hence the Fourier cosine series is f (x) = + an cos nx where
2 n=1

Zπ Zπ
2 2
a0 = f (x) dx, an = f (x) cos nx dx.
π π
0 0

Zπ
2
a0 = |sin x| dx
π
0
Zπ
2
= sin x dx
π
0
2 4
= (− cos x)π0 = .
π π
Page 47
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
Zπ
2
an = sin x cos nx dx
π
0
Zπ
1
= [sin(1 + n)x + sin(1 − n)x] dx
π
0
 π
1 cos(1 + n)x cos(1 − n)x
= − −
π 1+n 1−n 0
 
1 cos(1 + n)π cos(1 − n)π cos 0 cos 0
= − − + +
π 1+n 1−n 1+n 1−n
 
1 cos nπ cos nπ 1 1
= + + +
π 1+n 1−n 1+n 1−n
Since cos(1 + n)π = cos(π + nπ) = − cos nπ, cos(1 − n)π = − cos nπ
1 (−1)n (−1)n
 
1 1
= + + +
π 1+n 1−n 1+n 1−n
 
1 1 n 1 n
= [(−1) + 1] + [(−1) + 1]
π 1+n 1−n
[(−1)n + 1]
 
1 1
= +
π 1+n 1−n
[(−1)n + 1] −2[(−1)n + 1]
 
1 1
= − =
π n+1 n−1 π(n2 − 1)

0
 if n = 3, 5, 7, . . . n 6= 1
= 4
−
 if n = 2, 4, 6, . . .
2
π(n − 1)
Zπ
2
a1 = sin x cos x dx
π
0
Zπ
1
= sin 2x dx Since sin 2θ = 2 sin θ cos θ
π
0
 π
1 − cos 2x
=
π 2 0
1
= [− cos 2π + cos 0]
2π
1
= [−1 + 1] = 0.
2π

Page 48
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

2 P −4
Hence the Fourier Cosine Series is f (x) = + cos nx.
π n=even π(n2 − 1)
Example 12: Find the Fourier series for f (x) = |cos x| in (−π, π) of periodicity
2π.

Solution:

f (x) = |cos x| is an even function. Therefore bn = 0.

a0 P ∞
Hence the Fourier cosine series is f (x) = + an cos nx where
2 n=1

Zπ Zπ
2 2
a0 = f (x) dx, an = f (x) cos nx dx.
π π
0 0

Zπ
2
a0 = |cos x| dx
π
0
 
 π/2
Z Zπ 
2 
= cos x dx + − cos x dx
π
 

0 π/2

2h π/2
i 4
= (sin x)0 − (sin x)ππ/2 = .
π π
Zπ
2
an = |cos x| cos nx dx
π
0
 
 Zπ/2 Zπ 
2  
= cos x cos nx dx + − cos x cos nx dx
π 

0 π/2

( Zπ/2
1
= [cos(1 + n)x + cos(1 − n)x] dx
π
0
Zπ )
− [cos(1 + n)x + cos(1 − n)x] dx
π/2
Page 49
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
( π/2  π )
1 sin(1 + n)x sin(1 − n)x sin(1 + n)x sin(1 − n)x
an = + − +
π 1+n 1−n 0 1+n 1−n π/2
( 
1 sin(1 + n)π/2 sin(1 − n)π/2 sin 0 sin 0
= + − −
π 1+n 1−n 1+n 1−n
 )
sin(1 + n)π sin(1 − n)π sin(1 + n)π/2 sin(1 − n)π/2
− + − −
1+n 1−n 1+n 1−n
( )
1 cos nπ nπ nπ nπ 

2
cos 2 − sin nπ sin nπ cos 2
cos 2
= + −0−0− + − −
π 1+n 1−n 1+n 1−n 1+n 1−n
( )
1 cos nπ 2
cos nπ
2
cos nπ2
cos nπ2
= + + +
π 1+n 1−n 1+n 1−n
 
2 1 1 nπ
= − cos
π n+1 n−1 2
4 nπ
=− 2
cos , n 6= 1
π(n − 1) 2
Zπ
2
a1 = |cos x| cos x dx
π
0
 
 Zπ/2 Z π 
2 
= cos x. cos x dx + − cos x. cos x dx
π  

0 π/2
 
 Zπ/2 Zπ 
2 
2 2

= cos x dx − cos x dx
π  

0 π/2
 
 Zπ/2  Zπ   
2  1 + cos 2x 1 + cos 2x 
= dx − dx
π  2 2 

0 π/2
( π/2  π )
1 sin 2x sin 2x
= x+ − x+
π 2 0 2 π/2
   
1 π sin π sin 0 sin 2π π sin π
= + −0− − π+ − −
π 2 2 2 2 2 2
1 πn π o
an = + 0 − 0 − 0 − π − 0 + + 0 = 0.
π 2 2
2 P −4 nπ
Hence the Fourier Cosine Series is f (x) = + 2
cos cos nx.
π n=even π(n − 1) 2
Page 50
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Half range Fourier Series

In several engineering and physical applications it is required to obtain the Fourier

series expansion of a function in an interval [0, π] where π is the half the period.
Such an expression is called half range Fourier series.

Half range Cosine Series:

Suppose f (x) is defined in the interval [0, π].


f (x) if 0 ≤ x ≤ π

We define F (x) =
f (−x) if −π ≤ x ≤ 0


Clearly F (x) is an even function defined in the interval [−π, π]. Hence the Fourier
series of F (x) contains only cosine terms. In the interval [0, π], F (x) = f (x) and
hence the cosine series of F (x) gives the cosine series of f (x) in [0, π]. Thus
a0 P ∞
f (x) = + an cos nx
2 n=1

Zπ Zπ
2 2
where a0 = f (x)dx and an = f (x) cos nxdx.
π π
0 0

Half range Sine Series:

Suppose f (x) is defined in the interval [0, π].


f (x) if 0 ≤ x ≤ π

We define F (x) =
−f (−x)

if −π ≤ x ≤ 0

Clearly F (x) is an odd function defined in the interval [−π, π]. Hence the Fourier
series of F (x) contains only sine terms. In the interval [0, π], F (x) = f (x) and hence
the sine series of F (x) gives the sine series of f (x) in [0, π]. Thus
∞
P
f (x) = bn sin nx
n=1

Zπ
2
where bn = f (x) sin nxdx.
π
0

Page 51
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Example 1:

Expand the function f (x) = sin x, 0 < x < π, in a Fourier Cosine series.
a0 P ∞
Solution: The Fourier Cosine series is f (x) = + an cos nx
2 n=1

Zπ Zπ
2 2
where a0 = f (x)dx and an = f (x) cos nxdx.
π π
0 0

To find a0 , an :

Zπ
2
a0 = sin x dx
π
0
2
= (− cos x)π0
π
2
= [− cos π + cos0]
π
2 4
= (1 + 1) = .
π π
Zπ
2
an = sin x cos nx dx
π
0
Zπ
1
= [sin(x + nx) + sin(x − nx)] dx
π
0
 π
1 − cos(n + 1)x cos(1 − n)x
= −
π (n + 1) (1 − n) 0
  
1 − cos(n + 1)π cos(1 − n)π − cos 0 cos 0
= − − −
π (n + 1) (1 − n) (1 + n) (1 − n)
 
1 cos nπ cos nπ 1 1
= + + +
π 1+n 1−n 1+n 1−n
 
1 1 + cos nπ 1 + cos nπ
= +
π 1+n 1−n
−2 [1 + (−1)n ]
 
(1 + cos nπ) 1 1
= + =
π 1+n 1−n π(n − 1)(n + 1)

0; if n = 3, 5, 7, . . .

= −4

 ; if n = 2, 4, 6, . . .
π(n − 1)(n + 1)
Page 52
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
Zπ
2
a1 = sin x cos x dx
π
0
Zπ
1
= sin 2x dx Since sin 2θ = 2 sin θ cos θ
π
0
 π
1 − cos 2x
=
π 2 0
 
1 − cos 2π cos 0
= +
π 2 2
 
1 1 1
= − + = 0.
π 2 2

Therefore the Fourier Cosine series is

2 X 4
sin x = − cos nx
π n=even π(n − 1)(n + 1)
 
2 4 cos 2x cos 4x cos 6x
= − + + + ...
π π 1.3 3.5 5.7
Example 2:

Find half-range Fourier cosine series and sine series for f (x) = x in 0 < x < π.

Solution: (i) Half range cosine series:

a0 P ∞
The Fourier Cosine series is f (x) = + an cos nx
2 n=1

Zπ Zπ
2 2
where a0 = f (x)dx and an = f (x) cos nxdx.
π π
0 0

To find a0 , an :
Zπ
2
a0 = x dx
π
0
π
x2

2
=
π 2 0
2

2 π
= −0
π 2
= π.
Page 53
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
Zπ
2
an = x cos nx dx
π
0

2
 
sin nx
  cos nx π
= x. − (1) −
π n n2 0
 π
2 x sin nx cos nx
= +
π n n 0
  
2 π sin nπ cos nπ cos 0
= + − 0+ 2
π n n2 n
(−1)n
 
2 1
= 0+ 2
−0− 2
π n n

2

[(−1)n − 1]
  0; if n is even
= =
π n2  −4 ; if n is odd

πn2
π 4 P 1
Therefore the Fourier Cosine series is x = − cos nx.
2 π n=odd n2
∞
P
(ii) Half range sine series: The Fourier sine series is f (x) = bn sin nx
n=1

Zπ
2
where bn = f (x) sin nxdx.
π
0

Zπ
2
bn = x sin nx dx
π
0
    π
2 − cos nx sin nx
= x. − (1) − 2
π n n 0
 π
2 x cos nx sin nx
= − +
π n n2 0
  
2 π cos nπ sin nπ sin 0
= − + − −0 + 2
π n n2 n
−π(−1)n
 
2 2
= = (−1)n−1
π n n

P∞ (−1)n−1
Therefore the Fourier sine series is x = 2 sin nx.
n=1 n

Page 54
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Example 3:

Express f (x) = x(π − x), in 0 < x < π as a Fourier series of periodicity 2π

containing (i) Sine terms only (ii) Cosine terms only. Hence deduce,
1 1 1 π3 1 1 1 π2
1− + − + . . . = and 1 − + − + . . . = .
33 53 73 32 22 32 42 12
Solution: (i) Half range sine series:
∞
P
The Fourier sine series is f (x) = bn sin nx
n=1

Zπ
2
where bn = f (x) sin nxdx.
π
0

Zπ
2
bn = x(π − x) sin nx dx
π
0

2
 
− cos nx
 
sin nx
  cos nx π
2
= (πx − x ). − (π − 2x) − 2 + (−2)
π n n n3 0
  π
2 cos nx (π − 2x) sin nx 2 cos nx
= −(πx − x2 ) + 2
−
π n n n3 0
"  
2 cos nπ (π − 2π) sin nπ 2 cos nπ
= − (π 2 − π 2 ) + −
π n n2 n3
   #
(π − 0) sin 0 2 cos 0
− −0 + −
n2 n3
2(−1)n
 
2 2 4
= − 3
+ 3 = 3
[1 − (−1)n ]
π n n πn

0

if n is even
=
 8

if n is odd
πn3
Therefore the Fourier sine series is
X 1
x(π − x) = 8 sin nx
n=odd
πn3
 
8 1 1 1
= sin x + 3 sin 3x + 3 sin 5x + . . .
π 13 3 5

Page 55
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
π
Put x = in the series and it is a point of continuity for f (x).
2
π
Therefore the sum of the Fourier series when x = is
2

π  π π  π2
f = π− = .
2 2 2 4
Therefore
π2
 
8 1 π 1 π 1 π
= sin + 3 sin 3 + 3 sin 5 + . . .
4 π 13 2 3 2 5 2
 
8 1 1 1
= 3
− 3 + 3 − ...
π 1 3 5
1 1 1 π3
⇒ − + − . . . = .
13 33 53 32
(ii) Half range cosine series:
a0 P ∞
The Fourier Cosine series is f (x) = + an cos nx
2 n=1

Zπ Zπ
2 2
where a0 = f (x)dx and an = f (x) cos nxdx.
π π
0 0

To find a0 , an :
Zπ
2
a0 = x(π − x) dx
π
0
π
πx2 x3

2
= −
π 2 3 0
 3
π3

2 π
= −
π 2 3
π2
= .
3
Zπ
2
an = (πx − x2 ) cos nx dx
π
0
    π
2 2 sin nx  cos nx  sin nx
= (πx − x ). − (π − 2x) − + (−2) − 3
π n n2 n 0
 π
2 sin nx cos nx 2 sin nx
= (πx − x2 ). + (π − 2x). +
π n n2 n3 0
Page 56
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

2 sin nπ cos nπ 2 sin nπ
an = (π 2 − π 2 ). + (π − 2π). +
π n n2 n3
 
π cos 0 2 sin 0
− 0+ +
n2 n3
(−π)(−1)n
 
2  π
= 0+ +0− 0+ 2 +0
π n2 n

2 0; if n is odd

n
= − 2 [(−1) + 1] =
n  −4 ; if n is even

n2
Therefore the Fourier cosine series is
π2 X 1
x(π − x) = −4 2
cos nx
6 n=even
n
2
 
π 1 1 1
= − 4 2 cos 2x + 2 cos 4x + 2 cos 6x + . . .
6 2 4 6
π
Put x = in the series and it is a point of continuity for f (x).
2
π
Therefore the sum of the Fourier series when x = is
2

π  π π  π2
f = π− = .
2 2 2 4
Therefore
π2 π2
 
1 1 1
= − 4 2 cos 2x + 2 cos 4x + 2 cos 6x + . . .
4 6 2 4 6
2
 
π 1 2π 1 4π 1 6π
= − 4 2 cos + 2 cos + 2 cos + ...
6 2 2 4 2 6 2
π2
 
1 1 1
= − 4 − 2 + 2 − 2 + ...
6 2 4 6
π2 π2
 
4 1 1 1
− = 2 1 − 2 + 2 − 2 + ...
4 6 2 2 3 4
1 1 1 π2
⇒1 − + − + . . . = .
22 32 42 12

Page 57
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Example 4:

Expand the function f (x) = x sin x as a cosine series in 0 < x < π and show that
2 2 2 π
1+ − + − ... = .
1.3 3.5 5.7 2
a0 P ∞
Solution: The Fourier Cosine series is f (x) = + an cos nx
2 n=1

Zπ Zπ
2 2
where a0 = f (x)dx and an = f (x) cos nxdx.
π π
0 0

To find a0 , an :

Zπ
2
a0 = x sin x dx
π
0
2
= [x(− cos x) − 1(− sin x)]π0
π
2
= [−x cos x + sin x]π0
π
2
= [−π cos π + sin π − (0 + sin 0)]
π
2
= (π) = 2.
π
Zπ
2
an = x sin x cos nx dx
π
0
Zπ
1
= x [sin(x + nx) + sin(x − nx)] dx
π
0
 π 
Z Zπ
1  
= x sin(1 + n)x dx + x sin(1 − n)x dx
π 
0 0
(    
1 − cos(1 + n)x sin(1 + n)x
= x −1 −
π (1 + n) (1 + n)2
     )π
− cos(1 − n)x − sin(1 − n)x
+ x −1
(1 − n) (1 − n)2
0
 π
1 −x cos(1 + n)x sin(1 + n)x −x cos(1 − n)x sin(1 − n)x
= + + +
π (1 + n) (1 + n)2 (1 − n) (1 − n)2 0
Page 58
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
(
1 −π cos(1 + n)π sin(1 + n)π −π cos(1 − n)π sin(1 − n)π
an = + + +
π (1 + n) (1 + n)2 (1 − n) (1 − n)2
 )
sin 0 sin 0
− 0+ +0+
(1 + n)2 (1 − n)2
 
1 π cos nπ sin nπ π cos nπ sin nπ
= − + +
π (1 + n) (1 + n)2 (1 − n) (1 − n)2
Since cos(π ± θ) = − cos θ, sin(π − θ) = sin θ, sin(π + θ) = − sin θ
1 π(−1)n π(−1)n
 
= +
π 1+n 1−n
2(−1)n
 
n 1−n+1+n
= (−1) =− if n 6= 1
(1 + n)(1 − n) (n + 1)(n − 1)
Zπ
2
a1 = x sin x cos x dx
π
0
Zπ
1
= x sin 2x dx Since sin 2θ = 2 sin θ cos θ
π
0
    π
1 cos 2x sin 2x
= x − −1 −
π 2 4 0
 π
1 −x cos 2x sin 2x
= +
π 2 4 0
  
1 −π cos 2π sin 2π sin 0
= + − 0+
π 2 4 4
1
=−
2

Therefore the Fourier Cosine series is

∞
1 X (−1)n
x sin x = 1 − cos x − 2 cos nx
2 n=2
(n − 1)(n + 1)
 
1 cos 2x cos 3x cos 4x cos 5x
= 1 − cos x − 2 − + − + ...
2 1.3 2.4 3.5 4.6

π
Put x = in the series and it is a point of continuity for f (x).
2
π
Therefore the sum of the Fourier series when x = is
2
Page 59
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

π  π π  π
f = sin = .
2 2 2 2

Therefore
 π  π  π  π  
π 1 π cos 2 cos 3 cos 4 cos 5
= 1 − cos − 2  2 − 2 + 2 − 2 + . . .
2 2 2 1.3 2.4 3.5 4.6
 
1 1 1
=1−2 − + − + ...
1.3 3.5 5.7
2 2 2 π
⇒1 + − + − ... = .
1.3 3.5 5.7 2

π
Example 5: Find sine half-range series for the function f (x) = x in 0 ≤ x ≤
2
π
and f (x) = π − x in < x < π.
2
∞
P
Solution: The Fourier sine series is f (x) = bn sin nx
n=1

Zπ
2
where bn = f (x) sin nxdx.
π
0

 π/2
Zπ/2

Z
2  
bn = x sin nx dx + (π − x) sin nx dx
π 
0 π
(    π/2
2 − cos nx − sin nx
= x. − 1.
π n n2 0
    π )
− cos nx − sin nx
+ (π − x) − (−1).
n n2 π/2
( π/2  π )
2 −x cos nx sin nx −(π − x) cos nx sin nx
= + + −
π n n2 0 n n2 π/2
( "
2 − π2 cos nπ2
sin nπ
2 sin 0 sin nπ
= + + 0 − + 0 −
π n n2 n2 n2
  π  #)
− π− cos nπ
2
nπ
sin 2
− 2 − 
n n2
Page 60
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
( #)
2 − π2 cos nπ
2
sin nπ
2
π
cos nπ
sin nπ
= + +0−0+0−0+ 2 2
+ 2
π n n2 n n2
4 nπ
= 2
sin
πn 2

0

if n is even
=
 4 sin nπ

if n is odd
πn2 2
P 4 nπ
Therefore the Fourier sine series is f (x) = 2
sin sin nx.
n=even πn 2

 πx ,

0<x<
π
Example 6: If f (x) = 4 2 Express f (x) in a series of
π
 (π − x), π
<x<π

4 2
cosines only.
a0 P ∞
Solution: The Fourier Cosine series is f (x) = + an cos nx
2 n=1

Zπ Zπ
2 2
where a0 = f (x)dx and an = f (x) cos nxdx.
π π
0 0

To find a0 , an :
 
π/2 π ( π )

2  πx
Z Z
π  1  x2 π/2 

x2
a0 = dx + (π − x) dx = + πx −
π 4 4  2
 2 0 2 π/2
0 π/2

1 π2 π2 π2 π2 π2
 
2
= −0+π − − + = .
2 8 2 2 8 8
 
 π/2
Z Zπ 
2  πx π 
an = cos nx dx + (π − x) cos nx dx
π 4 4 

0 π/2
 
 π/2
Z Zπ 
1 
= x cos nx dx + (π − x) cos nx dx
2 

0 π/2
(    π/2
1 sin nx − cos nx
= x. − 1.
2 n n2 0
   π )
sin nx cos nx
+ (π − x) − (−1)
n n2 π/2
Page 61
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
( π/2  π )
1 x sin nx cos nx (π − x) sin nx cos nx
an = + + +
2 n n2 0 n n2 π/2
(π nπ nπ
1 sin cos
= 2 2 + 2 − 0 − cos 0 + 0 + cos nπ
2 n n 2 n2 n2
 π nπ nπ )
π− sin cos
− 2 2 + 2
n n2
 nπ 
1  cos 2 1 (−1)n 
= − 2+
2 n2 n n2
 nπ 
π 2 ∞
P 1 cos n
Therefore f (x) = +  2 − 1 + (−1)  cos nx.
16 n=1 2 n 2 n2 n2

Page 62
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Change of Interval

Suppose we have to obtain the Fourier series of a function f (x) defined in the
interval c < x < c + 2l.

Introduce the new variable z to vary in an interval of length 2π as x varies in an

interval of length 2l.

From concept of proportion, we have

z x πx
= ⇒z= .
2π 2l l
πc
When x = c ⇒ z = l
= d (say).
πc
When x = c + 2l ⇒ z = πl (c + 2l) = + 2π = d + 2π.
l
 
lz
Therefore z lies in the interval (d, d + 2π) of length 2π and f (x) = f = g(z),
π
d < z < d + 2π.

If f (x) satisfies Dirichlet’s conditions, then g(z) also satisfies them. Therefore we
can expand g(z) as a Fourier series of the standard form.
a0 P ∞ P∞
g(z) = + an cos nz + bn sin nz where
2 n=1 n=1

d+2π
Z d+2π
Z
1 1
an = g(z) cos nz dz n ≥ 0 and bn = g(z) sin nz dz, n ≥ 1.
π π
d d
πx
Since g(z) = f (x) and z = , we get
l
a0 P ∞ nπx P ∞ nπx
f (x) = + an cos + bn sin where
2 n=1 l n=1 l
c+2l
Z c+2l
Z c+2l
Z
1 1 nπx 1 nπx
a0 = f (x) dx, an = f (x) cos dx and bn = f (x) sin dx.
l l l l l
c c c

Note:

(i) If the interval is (0, 2l), put c = 0, then

a0 P ∞ nπx P ∞ nπx
f (x) = + an cos + bn sin where
2 n=1 l n=1 l
Page 63
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Z2l Z2l Z2l

1 1 nπx 1 nπx
a0 = f (x) dx, an = f (x) cos dx and bn = f (x) sin dx.
l l l l l
0 0 0

(ii) If the interval is (−l, l), put c = −l, then

a0 P ∞ nπx P ∞ nπx
f (x) = + an cos + bn sin where
2 n=1 l n=1 l
Zl Zl Zl
1 1 nπx 1 nπx
a0 = f (x) dx, an = f (x) cos dx and bn = f (x) sin dx.
l l l l l
−l −l −l

(iii) Even and odd functions and half-range series will be similar to in the previous
sections.

• If f (x) is an even function in (−l, l) then bn = 0 and

a0 P ∞ nπx
f (x) = + an cos
2 n=1 l
Zl Zl
2 2 nπx
where a0 = f (x) dx, an = f (x) cos dx.
l l l
0 0
• If f (x) is an odd function in (−l, l) then a0 = an = 0 and
P∞ nπx
f (x) = bn sin
n=1 l
Zl
2 nπx
where bn = f (x) sin dx.
l l
0

(iv) The half range cosine series for f (x) in (0, l) is given by
a0 P ∞ nπx
f (x) = + an cos
2 n=1 l
Zl Zl
2 2 nπx
where a0 = f (x) dx, an = f (x) cos dx.
l l l
0 0

(v) The half range sine series for f (x) in (0, l) is given by
∞
P nπx
f (x) = bn sin
n=1 l
Zl
2 nπx
where bn = f (x) sin dx.
l l
0

Page 64
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Problems based on (0, 2l)

Example 1: Find the Fourier series expansion of period 2l for the function
∞ 1
f (x) = (l − x)2 in 0 < x < 2l. Deduce the sum of the series
P
2
.
n=1 n

Solution: The Fourier series for f (x) is

a0 P ∞ nπx P ∞ nπx
f (x) = + an cos + bn sin where
2 n=1 l n=1 l
Z2l Z2l Z2l
1 1 nπx 1 nπx
a0 = f (x) dx, an = f (x) cos dx and bn = f (x) sin dx.
l l l l l
0 0 0

To find a0 , an and bn

Z2l 2l
1 (l − x)3

1 2
a0 = (l − x) dx =
l l −3 0
0

1 2l2
=− [−l3 − l3 ] = .
3l 3
Z2l
1 nπx
an = (l − x)2 cos dx
l l
0
2l
nπx nπx nπx
   
1 sin cos − sin
= (l − x)2 . nπl − 2(l − x)(−1) − 2 l2  + (2)  l 
   
l nπ n3 π 3

l l2 l3 0
2l
nπx nπx nπx

1 sin cos sin
= (l − x)2 . nπl − 2(π − l) 2 l2 − 2 3 l3 

l nπ nπ
l l 2 l3 0
"
1 l l2 l3
= (l − 2l)2 . . sin 2nπ − 2(l − 2l). 2 2 . cos 2nπ − 2 3 3 . sin 2nπ
l nπ nπ nπ
 2 3
#
l l l
− (l − 0)2 . . sin 0 − 2(l − 0) 2 2 . cos 0 − 2 3 3 . sin 0
nπ nπ nπ
2l3 2l2
  
1
= 0+ 2 2 −0− 0− 2 2 −0 Since cos 2nπ = 1, sin 2nπ = 0
l nπ nπ
1 4l3 4l2
= . 2 2 = 2 2.
l nπ nπ
Page 65
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
Z2l
1 nπx
bn = (l − x)2 sin dx
l l
0
2l
nπx  nπx nπx
    
1 − cos sin cos
= (l − x)2 .  l  − 2(l − x)  − l  + (−2)
 l 
l nπ 
nπ2 2   3 3 
nπ
l l 2 l3 0
2l
nπx nπx nπx

1 cos sin cos
= −(l − x)2 . nπl + 2(l − x) 2 l2 − 2 3 l3 

l nπ nπ
l l2 l3 0
"
2
1 l l l3
= − (l − 2l)2 . . cos 2nπ + 2(l − 2l) 2 2 . sin 2nπ − 2 3 3 . cos 2nπ
l nπ nπ nπ
 2 3
#
l l l
− −(l − 0)2 . . cos 0 + 2(l − 0) 2 2 . sin 0 − 2 3 3 . cos 0
nπ nπ nπ
 3
2l3 l3 2l3
 
1 l
= − +0− 3 3 − − +0− 3 3 Since cos 2nπ = 1, sin 2nπ = 0
l nπ nπ nπ nπ
= 0.
l2 P ∞ 4l 2 nπx
Therefore (l − x)2 =
+ 2 2
cos .
3 n=1 n π l
l2 4l2 1
 
2 πx 1 2πx 1 3πx
⇒ (l − x) = + 2 cos + 2 cos + 2 cos + ...
3 π 12 l 2 l 3 l
P∞ 1
To deduce 2
.
n=1 n

Put x = 0 in the Fourier series. But x = 0 is an end point of the interval (0, 2l)
for f (x).

Therefore the sum of the Fourier series when x = 0 is

1
f (0) = [f (0+) + f (2l−)]
2
1
(l − 0)2 + (l − 2l)2 = l2 .

=
2

l2 4l2 1
 
2 1 1
Therefore l = + 2 cos 0 + 2 cos 0 + 2 cos 0 + . . . .
3 π 12 2 3
2l2 4l2 1 π2
  ∞ 1
1 1 P
⇒ = 2 + + + . . . ⇒ = .
3 π 12 22 32 n=1 n
2 6
Page 66
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Example 2: Expand x(2l − x) in (0, 2l) as a Fourier series of period 2l. Deduce
1 1 1
the sum 2 − 2 + 2 − . . . .
1 2 3
Solution:

The Fourier series for f (x) is

a0 P ∞ nπx P ∞ nπx
f (x) = + an cos + bn sin where
2 n=1 l n=1 l
Z2l Z2l Z2l
1 1 nπx 1 nπx
a0 = f (x) dx, an = f (x) cos dx and bn = f (x) sin dx.
l l l l l
0 0 0

To find a0 , an and bn

Z2l
1
a0 = x(2l − x) dx
l
0

Z2l
1
= (2lx − x2 ) dx
l
0
2l
l3

1 2
= lx −
l 3 0
8l3 4l2
 
1 3
= 4l − = .
l 3 3
Z2l
1 nπx
an = (2lx − x2 ) cos dx
l l
0
nπx  nπx nπx !#2l
  
sin − cos − sin
"
1
= (2lx − x2 )  nπl  − (2l − 2x)  l  + (−2) l

2 2 3 3
l nπ nπ
0
l l 2 l3
" #2l
2 3
1 l nπx l nπx l nπx
= (2lx − x2 ) . sin + (2l − 2x) 2 2 . cos + 2 3 3 . sin
l nπ l nπ l nπ l
0
"
1 l l2 l3
= (4l2 − 4l2 ) . sin 2nπ + (2l − 4l) 2 2 . cos 2nπ + 2 3 3 . sin 2nπ
l nπ nπ nπ
#
2l3
 
− 0 + 2 2 . cos 0 + 0
nπ
Page 67
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
2l3 2l3 4l2
 
1
an = − 2 2 − 2 2 = − 2 2.
l nπ nπ nπ
Z2l
1 nπx
bn = (2lx − x2 ) sin dx
π l
0
nπx  nπx
  
− cos − sin
"
1 l  − (2l − 2x)  l 
= (2lx − x2 )  nπ 2 2
l nπ
 
l l2
nπx !#2l
cos
+ (−2) l
n3 π 3
0
l3
" #2π
1 2 l nπx l2 nπx l3 nπx
= − (2lx − x ) . cos + (2l − 2x) 2 2 . sin − 2 3 3 . cos
l nπ l nπ l nπ l
0
"
2 3
1 l l l
= − (4l2 − 4l2 ) . cos 2nπ + (2l − 4l) 2 2 . sin 2nπ − 2 3 3 . cos 2nπ
l nπ nπ nπ
#
l3

− 0 + 0 − 2 3 3 cos 0
nπ
2l3 2l3
 
1
= − 3 3 + 3 3 = 0.
l nπ nπ

Therefore

∞
2l2 X −4l2 nπx
f (x) = + 2 2
cos
3 n=1
nπ l
2l2 4l2 1
 
πx 1 2πx 1 3πx
= − 2 cos + 2 cos + 2 cos + ...
3 π 12 l 2 l 3 l

1 1 1
To deduce the value of 2
− 2 + 2 − ....
1 2 3
Put x = l in the Fourier series.

But x = l is an interior point of continuity (0, 2l) for the function f (x).

Therefore the sum of the Fourier series when x = l is f (l) = l(2l − l) = l2 .

Page 68
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

2l2 4l2 1
 
2 1 1
Therefore l = − 2 cos π + 2 cos 2π + 2 cos 3π + . . .
3 π 12 2 3
l2 4l2
 
1 1 1
⇒ = − 2 − 2 + 2 − 2 + ...
3 π 1 2 3
1 1 1 π2
⇒ 2 − 2 + 2 − ... = .
1 2 3 12

x

for 0 < x ≤ l
Example 3: If f (x) = l express f (x) as a Fourier series
 2l − x for l < x < 2l

l
of periodicity 2l.

Solution: The Fourier series for f (x) is

a0 P ∞ nπx P ∞ nπx
f (x) = + an cos + bn sin where
2 n=1 l n=1 l
Z2l Z2l Z2l
1 1 nπx 1 nπx
a0 = f (x) dx, an = f (x) cos dx and bn = f (x) sin dx.
l l l l l
0 0 0

To find a0 , an and bn
 l 
Z Z2l
1
a0 =  f (x) dx + f (x) dx
l
0 l
 
Zl Z2l
1 x 2l − x 
= dx + dx
l l l
0 l
(  2l )
l
x2 x2

1
= 2 + 2lx −
l 2 0 2 l
 2
4l2 l2
    
1 l 2 2
= 2 − 0 + 4l − − 2l −
l 2 2 2
 2 2

1 l 3l
= 2 + 2l3 + = 1.
l 2 2

Page 69
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

 l 
Z Z2l
1 nπx nπx 
an =  f (x) cos dx + f (x) cos dx
l l l
0 l
 l 
Z2l
2l − x
Z
1 x nπx nπx 
=  cos dx + cos dx
l l l l l
0 l
π
nπx nπx
 
1  sin − cos
(
= 2 x. nπl − 1.  l 
 
2 2
l nπ

l l2 0
2l
nπx nπx
 
sin − cos
)
+ (2l − x) nπl − (−1).  l 
  
n2 π 2

l l2 l
( l
2
1 l nπx l nπx
= 2 x. sin + 2 2 . cos
l nπ l nπ l 0
2l )
l2

l nπx nπx
+ (2l − x). sin − 2 2 . cos
nπ l nπ l l
(
1 l2 l2 l2
 
= 2 sin nπ + 2 2 cos nπ − 0 + 2 2 cos 0
l nπ nπ nπ
 )
l2 l2
 
+ 0 − 2 2 cos 2nπ − 0 − 2 2 cos nπ
nπ nπ
1 l2
= . [cos nπ − 1 − 1 + cos nπ]
l 2 n2 π 2
2 2
= 2 2 [2(−1)n − 2] = 2 2 {(−1)n − 1}
nπ π n

0

if n is even
=
 −4 if n is odd

πn2
 l 
Z Z2l
1 nπx nπx 
bn =  f (x) sin dx + f (x) sin dx
l l l
0 l
 l 
Z2l
2l − x
Z
1 x nπx nπx 
=  sin dx + sin dx
l l l l l
0 l
Page 70
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
l
nπx  nπx
  
− cos − sin
(
1  l  − 1.  l 
bn = 2 x. 

l nπ 
n2 π 2

l l2 0
2l
nπx  nπx
  
− cos − sin
)
+ (2l − x) 
 l  − (−1).   l 
 
nπ n2 π 2
l l2 l
 nπx nπx  l
1  −xl cos l l2 sin
(
= 2 + l 
l nπ 2
nπ 2
0
 nπx nπx 2l )
l cos l2 sin
+ −(2l − x) l − l 
nπ n2 π 2
l
(
1 −l2 cos nπ l2 sin nπ
= + +0−0
l2 nπ n2 π 2
 )
l2 sin 2nπ
  2
−l cos nπ
+ 0− − −0
n2 π 2 nπ
1 l2
= . [− cos nπ + cos nπ] = 0. Since sin nπ = 0
l2 nπ

1 P −4 nπx
Therefore the Fourier series is f (x) = + cos .
2 odd πn2 l
Example 4: Find the Fourier series of periodicity 3 for f (x) = 2x − x2 , in
0 < x < 3.
3
Solution: Here 2l = 3 ⇒ l = .
2
Therefore the Fourier series for f (x) is
a0 P ∞ 2nπx P ∞ 2nπx
f (x) = + an cos + bn sin where
2 n=1 3 n=1 3
Z3 Z3 Z3
2 2 2nπx 2 2nπx
a0 = f (x) dx, an = f (x) cos dx and bn = f (x) sin dx.
3 3 3 3 3
0 0 0

Z3 3
2 2 x3

2 2


Now a0 = 2x − x dx = x − = 0.
3 3 3 0
0
Page 71
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Z3
2 2nπx
an = (2x − x2 ) cos dx
3 3
0
2nπx 2nπx 2nπx #3
   
sin cos − sin
"
2 3 − (2 − 2x) 
= (2x − x2 ). − 2 2 3 2  + (−2)  3 
 
3 2nπ 
2nπ 3 3 3
2nπ

0
3 32 l3
3
32 33

2 2 3 2nπx 2nπx 2nπx
= (2x − x ). sin + (2 − 2x). 2 2 2 cos + 2 3 3 3 sin
3 2nπ 3 2nπ 3 2nπ 3 0
"
2 3 32 33
= (6 − 9). . sin 2nπ + (2 − 6). 2 2 2 . cos 2nπ + 2 3 3 3 . sin 2nπ
3 2nπ 2nπ 2nπ
#
32 33

− 0 + (2 − 0) 2 2 2 . cos 0 + 2 3 3 3 . sin 0
2nπ 2nπ
  
2 9 9
= 0− 2 2 −0− 0+ 2 2 +0 Since cos 2nπ = 1, sin 2nπ = 0
3 nπ 2n π
 
2 9 1 9
=− . 2 2 1+ = − 2 2.
3 nπ 2 nπ
Z3
2 2nπx
bn = (2x − x2 ) sin dx
3 3
0
2nπx 2nπx 2nπx #3
     
− cos sin cos
"
2 3 
= (2x − x2 ).  − (2 − 2x) − 2 2 3 2  + (−2)  3 3 3 3 
    
3 2nπ 
2nπ 2nπ
0
3 32 l3
3
32 33

2 2 3 2nπx 2nπx 2nπx
= −(2x − x ). cos + (2 − 2x). 2 2 2 sin − 2 3 3 3 cos
3 2nπ 3 2nπ 3 2nπ 3 0
"
2 3 32 33
= − (6 − 9). . cos 2nπ + (2 − 6). 2 2 2 . sin 2nπ − 2 3 3 3 . cos 2nπ
3 2nπ 2nπ 2nπ
#
32 33

− 0 + (2 − 0) 2 2 2 . sin 0 − 2 3 3 3 . cos 0
2nπ 2nπ
  
2 9 27 27
= −0− 3 3 − 0−0+− 3 3 Since cos 2nπ = 1, sin 2nπ = 0
3 2nπ 4n π 4n π
2 9 3
= . = .
3 2nπ nπ
Page 72
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
∞ −9 nπx P ∞ 3 nπx
Therefore 2x − x2 =
P
2 2
cos + sin .
n=1 n π l n=1 nπ l
Example 5: Determine the Fourier series for the function

πx

for 0 < x < 1
f (x) = .
π(2 − x) for 1 < x < 2


Solution: Here 2l = 2 ⇒ l = 1. The Fourier series for f (x) is

a0 P ∞ P∞
f (x) = + an cos nπx + bn sin nπx where
2 n=1 n=1

Z2 Z2 Z2
a0 = f (x) dx, an = f (x) cos nπx dx and bn = f (x) sin nπx dx.
0 0 0

To find a0 , an and bn

Z1 Z2
a0 = f (x) dx + f (x) dx
0 1

Z1 Z2
= πx dx + π(2 − x) dx
0 1
2 1
2
(2 − x)2
  
x
=π +π
2 0 −2 1
π π
= − 0 − [0 − 1] = π.
2 2
Z1 Z2
an = f (x) cos nπx dx + f (x) cos nπx dx
0 1

Z1 Z2
= πx cos nπx dx + π(2 − x) cos nπx dx
0 1
  1
sin nπx − cos nπx
= π x. − 1.
nπ n2 π 2 0
  2
sin nπx − cos nπx
+ π (2 − x) − (−1).
nπ n2 π 2 1
 1  2
x sin nπx cos nπx sin nπx cos nπx
=π + + π (2 − x) −
nπ n2 π 2 0 nπ n2 π 2 1
Page 73
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
  
sin nπ cos nπ cos 0
an = π + 2 2 − 0+ 2 2
nπ nπ nπ
  
cos 2nπ sin nπ cos nπ
+π 0− 2 2 − − 2 2
nπ nπ nπ
n
(−1)n
 
(−1) 1 1
=π − 2 2− 2 2+ 2 2
n2 π 2 nπ nπ nπ
2
= {(−1)n − 1}
πn2

0

if n is even
=
 −4 if n is odd

πn2
Z1 Z2
bn = f (x) sin nπx dx + f (x) sin nπx dx
0 1

Z1 Z2
= πx sin nπx dx + π(2 − x) sin nπx dx
0 1
    1
− cos nπx − sin nπx
= π x. − 1.
nπ n2 π 2 0
    2
− cos nπx − sin nπx
+ π (2 − x) − (−1).
nπ n2 π 2 1
 1  2
−x cos nπx sin nπx cos nπx sin nπx
=π + 2 2 + π −(2 − x) − 2 2
nπ nπ 0 nπ nπ 1
 
− cos nπ sin nπ
=π + 2 2 − (0 + 0)
nπ nπ
  
sin 2nπ − cos nπ sin nπ
+π 0− 2 2 − − 2 2
nπ nπ nπ
n n
 
−(−1) (−1)
=π + = 0.
n n
π P −4
Therefore the Fourier series is f (x) = + cos nπx.
2 odd πn2
Example 6: Find the Fourier series expansion of f (x) given by

x for 0 < x < 2

f (x) = .
0 for 2 < x < 4


Page 74
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Solution: Here 2l = 4 ⇒ l = 2.

Therefore the Fourier series for f (x) is

a0 P ∞ nπx P ∞ nπx
f (x) = + an cos + bn sin where
2 n=1 2 n=1 2
Z4 Z4 Z4
1 1 nπx 1 nπx
a0 = f (x) dx, an = f (x) cos dx and bn = f (x) sin dx.
2 2 2 2 2
0 0 0

 2 
Z Z4
1 
a0 = f (x) dx + f (x) dx
2 
0 2
 2 
1
Z  1  x2 2
= x dx + 0 = = 1.
2  2 2 0
0
 2 
Z Z4
1  nπx nπx 
an = f (x) cos dx + f (x) cos dx
2 2 2 
0 2
 2 
Z
1  nπx 
= x cos dx + 0
2 2 
0
2
nπx nπx
 
1  sin 2 − cos
= x. − 1.
 2  
2
 nπ 
n2 π 2

2 22 0
 2
1 2x nπx 4 nπx
= . sin + 2 2 . cos
2 nπ 2 nπ 2 0
4(−1)n
  
1 4
= 0+ 2 2 − 0+ 2 2
2 nπ nπ

2 0

if n is even
n
= [(−1) − 1] =
n2 π 2  −4 if n is odd

π 2 n2
 2 
Z Z4
1  nπx nπx 
bn = f (x) sin dx + f (x) sin dx
2 2 2 
0 2
 2 
Z
1  nπx 
= x sin dx + 0
2 2 
0
Page 75
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

2
nπx  nπx
  
1 − cos − sin
bn = x.  2  − 1.  2  
2 nπ  2 2
nπ

2 22 0
 2
1 2x nπx 4 nπx
= − . cos + 2 2 . sin
2 nπ 2 nπ 2 0
 
1 4 4
= − . cos nπ + 2 2 . sin nπ + 0 − 0
2 nπ nπ
−2(−1)n
=
nπ

1 P −4 nπx P ∞ nπx
−2(−1)n
Therefore f (x) = + 2 2
cos + nπ
sin .
2 n=odd π n 2 n=1 2

Problems based on (−l, l)

Example 7: If f (x) is defined in (-2, 2) as follows. Express f (x) in a Fourier

series of periodicity 4.

0; −2 < x < −1







1 + x; −1 < x < 0

f (x) = .
1 − x; 0<x<1







0

1<x<2

Solution: Here 2l = 4 ⇒ l = 2.

Therefore the Fourier series for f (x) is

a0 P ∞ nπx P ∞ nπx
f (x) = + an cos + bn sin where
2 n=1 2 n=1 2
Z2 Z2 Z2
1 1 nπx 1 nπx
a0 = f (x) dx, an = f (x) cos dx and bn = f (x) sin dx.
2 2 2 2 2
−2 −2 −2

 −1 
Z Z0 Z1 Z2
1  
a0 = f (x) dx + f (x) dx + f (x) dx + f (x) dx
2 
−2 −1 0 1
Page 76
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
 0 
Z Z1
1  
a0 = (1 + x) dx + (1 − x) dx
2 
−1 0
" #
2 0 2 1
 
1 (1 + x) (1 − x)
= +
2 2 −1 −2 0

1 1 1
= + = .
4 4 2
( Z−1 Z0
1 nπx nπx
an = f (x) cos dx + f (x) cos dx
2 2 2
−2 −1

Z1 Z2 )
nπx nπx
+ f (x) cos dx + f (x) cos dx
2 2
0 1
 0 
Z Z1
1  nπx nπx 
= (1 + x) cos dx + (1 − x) cos dx
2 2 2 
−1 0
0
nπx nπx
 
1 sin − cos
= (1 + x). nπ2 − 1.  2 
 
2 2
2 nπ

2 22 −1
1
nπx nπx
 
1 sin − cos
+ (1 − x). nπ2 − (−1).  2 
 
2 n2 π 2

2 22 0
 0
1 2(1 + x) nπx 4 nπx
= . sin + 2 2 . cos
2 nπ 2 nπ 2 −1
 1
1 2(1 − x) nπx 4 nπx
+ . sin − 2 2 . cos
2 nπ 2 nπ 2 0
 
1 4 4 nπ 4 nπ 4
= 0 + 2 2 − 0 − 2 2 cos + 0 − 2 2 cos −0+ 2 2
2 nπ nπ 2 nπ 2 nπ
4 h nπ i
= 2 2 1 − cos
nπ 2

Page 77
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
( Z−1 Z0
1 nπx nπx
bn = f (x) sin dx + f (x) sin dx
2 2 2
−2 −1

Z1 Z2 )
nπx nπx
+ f (x) sin dx + f (x) sin dx
2 2
0 1
 0 
Z Z1
1  nπx nπx 
= (1 + x) sin dx + (1 − x) sin dx
2 2 2 
−1 0
0
nπx  nπx
  
1 − cos − sin
= (1 + x).  2  − 1.  2  
2 nπ  2 2
nπ

2 22 −1
1
nπx  nπx
   
1 − cos − sin
+ (1 − x).  2  − (−1).  2  
2 nπ 
nπ2 2 
2 22 0
 0
1 2(1 + x) nπx 4 nπx
= − . cos + 2 2 . sin
2 nπ 2 nπ 2 −1
 1
1 2(1 − x) nπx 4 nπx
+ − . cos − 2 2 . sin
2 nπ 2 nπ 2 0
 
1 2 4 nπ 4 nπ 2
= − + 0 + 0 + 2 2 sin − 0 − 2 2 sin + = 0.
2 nπ nπ 2 nπ 2 nπ
1 P ∞ 4 h nπ i nπx
Therefore f (x) = + 1 − cos cos .
4 n=1 n2 π 2 2 2
Example 8: Find Fourier series of periodicity 2 for f (x) given

0; in −1 < x < 0

f (x) = .
1; in 0 < x < 1


Solution: The Fourier series for f (x) is

a0 P ∞ P∞
f (x) = + an cos nπx + bn sin nπx where
2 n=1 n=1

Z1 Z1 Z1
a0 = f (x) dx, an = f (x) cos nπx dx and bn = f (x) sin nπx dx.
−1 −1 −1

Page 78
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

To find a0 , an and bn
Z0 Z1
a0 = f (x) dx + f (x) dx
−1 0

Z1
=0+ dx = [x]10 = 1.
0

Z0 Z1
an = f (x) cos nπx dx + f (x) cos nπx dx
−1 0

Z1  1
sin nπx
=0+ cos nπx dx = = 0.
nπ 0
0

Z0 Z1
bn = f (x) sin nπx dx + f (x) sin nπx dx
−1 0

Z1  1
− cos nπx
=0+ sin nπx dx =
nπ 0
0
1
=−[cos nπ − cos0]
nπ

1 0

if n is even
n
=− [(−1) − 1] =
nπ  2

if n is odd
nπ
1 P 2
Therefore f (x) = + sin nπx.
2 n=odd nπ
Example 9: Find Fourier series of periodicity 2 for

x; in −1 < x < 0

1 1 1
f (x) = and deduce the sum of 1 − + − + . . . to ∞.
x + 2; in 0 < x < 1
 3 5 7

Solution: The Fourier series for f (x) is

a0 P ∞ P∞
f (x) = + an cos nπx + bn sin nπx where
2 n=1 n=1

Z1 Z1 Z1
a0 = f (x) dx, an = f (x) cos nπx dx and bn = f (x) sin nπx dx.
−1 −1 −1
Page 79
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

To find a0 , an and bn
Z0 Z1
a0 = f (x) dx + f (x) dx
−1 0

Z0 Z1
= x dx + (x + 2) dx
−1 0
2 0
1
(x + 2)2
  
x
= +
2 −1 2 0
1 1
=0− + [9 − 4] = 2.
2 2
Z0 Z1
an = f (x) cos nπx dx + f (x) cos nπx dx
−1 0

Z0 Z1
= x cos nπx dx + (x + 2) cos nπx dx
−1 0
  0
x sin nπx − cos nπx
= − 1.
nπ n2 π 2 −1
  1
sin nπx − cos nπx
+ (x + 2) −
nπ n2 π 2 0
 0  1
x sin nπx cos nπx sin nπx cos nπx
= + + (x + 2) +
nπ n2 π 2 −1 nπ n2 π 2 0
 
cos 0  cos nπ  cos nπ cos 0
=0+ 2 2 − 0+ 2 2 +0+ 2 2 − 0+ 2 2
nπ nπ nπ nπ
1 cosnπ cos nπ 1
= 2 2 − 2 2 + 2 2 − 2 2 = 0.
nπ nπ nπ nπ
Z 0 Z 1

bn = f (x) sin nπx dx + f (x) sin nπx dx

−1 0

Z0 Z1
= x sin nπx dx + (x + 2) sin nπx dx
−1 0
    0
− cos nπx − sin nπx
= x. − 1.
nπ n2 π 2 −1
    1
− cos nπx − sin nπx
+ (x + 2) − 1. Page 80
nπ n2 π 2 0
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
 0  1
−x cos nπx sin nπx cos nπx sin nπx
bn = + 2 2 + −(x + 2) + 2 2
nπ nπ −1 nπ nπ 0
   
cos nπ sin nπ 3 cos nπ sin nπ −2 cos 0
=0+0− − 2 2 − + 2 2 − +0
nπ nπ nπ nπ nπ
4 cos nπ 2 2
=− + = [1 − 2 cos nπ]
nπ nπ nπ
2
= [1 − 2(−1)n ] .
nπ
Therefore the Fourier series is
∞
X 2
f (x) = 1 + [1 − 2(−1)n ] sin nπx
n=1
nπ
"
2 1 1 1
=1+ 3 sin πx − sin 2πx + .3 sin 3πx − sin 4πx
π 2 3 4
#
1 1
+ .3 sin 5πx − sin 6πx + . . .
5 6
1 1 1
To deduce the value of 1 − + − + . . . to ∞.
3 5 7
1 1
Put x = in the Fourier series. But x = is a point of continuity of f (x).
2 2
 
1 1 1 5
Therefore the sum of the Fourier series when x = is f = +2= .
2 2 2 2
"
5 2 π 1 2π 1 3π 1 4π
=1+ 3 sin − sin + .3 sin − sin
2 π 2 2 2 3 2 4 2
#
1 5π 1 6π
+ .3 sin − sin + ...
5 2 6 2
" #
5 2 3
−1= 3 − 0 − 1 − 0 + + ...
2 π 5
 
3 6 1 1 1
= 1 − + − + ...
2 π 3 5 7
1 1 1 π
⇒1 − + − + . . . = .
3 5 7 4

Page 81
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Example 10: Find the Fourier series of represent f (x) = x2 − 2 in the interval
−2 < x < 2.

Solution: f (x) = x2 − 2 is an even function. Therefore bn = 0.

a0 P ∞ nπx
Here l = 2, so the Fourier series is f (x) = + an cos
2 n=1 2
Z2 Z2
nπx
where a0 = f (x) dx, an = f (x) cos dx.
2
0 0

Z2 2
x3

2 4
a0 = (x − 2) dx = − 2x =− .
3 0 3
0

Z2
nπx
an = (x2 − 2) cos dx
2
0
2
nπx nπx nπx
   
sin − cos − sin
= (x2 − 2). nπ2 − (2x).  2  + 2. 2 
   
2 2 3 3
nπ nπ
  
2 22 23 0
 2
2 2 nπx 8x nπx 16 nπx
= (x − 2) sin + 2 2 cos − 3 3 sin
nπ 2 nπ 2 nπ 2 0
4 16 16
= sin nπ + 2 2 cos nπ − 3 3 sin nπ − (0 + 0 − 0)
nπ nπ nπ
n
16(−1)
= .
n2 π 2

2 P∞ 16(−1)n nπx
Therefore the Fourier series is x2 − 2 = − + 2 2
cos
3 n=1 n π 2
Problems based on Half Range series

Example 11: Express f (x) = x as a half range sine series in 0 < x < 2.

Solution: Here l = 2.
∞
P nπx
Therefore the half range sine series is f (x) = bn sin
n=1 2
Z2
nπx
where bn = f (x) sin dx.
2
0

Page 82
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Z2
nπx
bn = x sin dx
2
0
2
nπx  nπx
  
− cos − cos
= x 
 2  − 1.  2  
nπ  2 2
nπ

2 22 0
 2
2x nπ 4 nπx
= − cos + 2 2 sin
nπ 2 nπ 2 0
4 4
=− cos nπ + 2 2 sin nπ − (0 + 0)
nπ nπ
2
4(−1)
=− .
nπ
P∞ 4(−1)2 nπx
Therefore the half-range sine series is x = − sin .
n=1 nπ 2
Example 12: Obtain the half-range cosine series for f (x) = (x − 1)2 in the
1 1 1
interval 0 < x < 1 and hence deduce the value of 2 + 2 + 2 + . . . .
1 3 5
Solution: Here l = 1.
a0 P ∞
Therefore the half range cosine series is f (x) = + an cos nπx
2 n=1

Z1 Z1
where a0 = 2 f (x) dx, an = 2 f (x) cos nπx dx.
0 0

Z1
(x − 1)3

2 2
a0 = (x − 1) dx = 2 = .
3 3
0

Z1
an = (x − 1)2 cos nπx dx
0
      1
2 sin nπx − cos nπx − sin nπx
= 2 (x − 1) . − 2(x − 1). +2
nπ n2 π 2 n3 π 3 0
 2
1
(x − 1) sin nπx 2(x − 1) cos nπx 2 sin nπx
=2 + −
nπ n2 π 2 n3 π 3 0
  
2 sin nπ 2 cos 0 4
=2 0+0− 3 3
− 0− 2 2 −0 = 2 2.
nπ nπ nπ
Page 83
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Therefore the half-range cosine series is

∞
1 X 4
2
(x − 1) = + cos nπx
3 n=1 n2 π 2
 
1 4 1 1 1
= + 2 2 cos πx + 2 cos 2πx + 2 cos 3πx + . . .
3 π 1 2 3
1 1 1
To deduce the value of 2
+ 2 + 2 + ....
1 3 5
Put x = 0 in the Fourier series. Since half range cosine series F (x) in the interval
(−1, 1) is an even function. Hence F (0−) = F (0+) = f (0+) = 1.
F (0−) + F (0+) 1+1
Therefore = = 1.
2 2
Hence
 
1 4 1 1 1
1 = + 2 2 cos 0 + 2 cos 0 + 2 cos 0 + . . .
3 π 1 2 3
 
1 4 1 1 1
1 − = 2 2 + 2 + 2 + ...
3 π 1 2 3
1 1 1 π2
⇒ + + + . . . = .
12 22 32 6

x 2 ,

0<x<1
Example 13: Find Fourier cosine series of f (x) = .
2 − x, 1 < x < 2


Solution: Here l = 2.
a0 P ∞ nπx
Therefore the Fourier cosine series is f (x) = + an cos
2 n=1 2
Z2 Z2
nπx
where a0 = f (x) dx, an = f (x) cos dx.
2
0 0

Z1 Z2
2
a0 = x dx + (2 − x) dx
0 1
3
1 2
(2 − x)2
 
x
= +
3 0 −2 0
1 1 5
= + = .
3 2 6
Page 84
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
Z1 Z2
nπx nπx
an = x2 cos dx + (2 − x) cos dx
2 2
0 1
1
nπx nπx nπx
   
sin − cos − sin
= x2 . nπ2 − (2x).  2   + 2.  2 
   
2 2 3 3
nπ nπ

2 22 23 0
2
nπx nπx
 
sin − cos
+ (2 − x). nπ2 − (−1).  2 
  
2 2
nπ

2 22 1
 2 1
2x nπx 8x nπx 16 nπx
= sin + 2 2 cos − 3 3 sin
nπ 2 nπ 2 nπ 2 0
 2
2(2 − x) nπx 4 nπx
+ sin − 2 2 cos
nπ 2 nπ 2 1
2 nπ 8 nπ 16 nπ
= sin + 2 2 cos − 3 3 sin − (0 + 0 − 0)
nπ 2 nπ 2 nπ 2
4 2 nπ 4 nπ
+ 0 − 2 2 cos nπ − sin + 2 2 cos
nπ nπ 2 nπ 2
12 nπ 16 nπ 4
= 2 2 cos − 3 3 sin − 2 2 cos nπ.
nπ 2 nπ 2 nπ

Therefore the Fourier cosine series is

∞
 
5 P 12 nπ 16 nπ 4 nπx
f (x) = + 2 2
cos − 3 3 sin − 2 2 cos nπ cos .
12 n=1 n π 2 nπ 2 nπ 2
Example 14: Expand f (x) = (x − 1)2 , 0 < x < 1 in a Fourier series of sine only.

Solution: Here l = 1.
∞
P
Therefore the half range sine series is f (x) = bn sin nπx
n=1

Z1
where bn = 2 f (x) sin nπx dx.
0

Z1
bn = 2 (x − 1)2 sin nπx dx
0
 
− cos nπx
 
− sin nπx
  cos nπx 1
2
= 2 (x − 1) . − 2(x − 1). +2
nπ n2 π 2 n3 π 3 0
Page 85
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
1
−(x − 1)2 cos nπx 2(x − 1) sin nπx 2 cos nπx

bn = 2 + +
nπ n2 π 2 n3 π 3 0
  
2 cos nπ −1 2 cos 0
=2 0+0+ − +0+ 3 3
n3 π 3 nπ nπ
4 2
= 3 3 [(−1)n − 1] + .
nπ nπ
Therefore the half-range sine series is
∞ 4 2
(x − 1)2 = [(−1)n − 1] +
P
sin nπx.
n=1 n3 π 3 nπ

π
for 0 ≤ x ≤
sin x,

Example 15: If If f (x) = 4 express f (x) in a series of
cos x, for ≤ x ≤ π
 π
4 2
sines.
∞
P nπx
Solution: The Fourier sine series is f (x) = bn sin
n=1 l
Zl
2 πx
where bn = f (x) sin dx.
l l
0
π
Here l =
2
π
Z2
2
bn = π f (x) sin 2nx dx
2 0
 
 Zπ/2 Zπ/2 
2  
= π f (x) sin 2nx dx + f (x) sin 2nx dx

 

2 0 π/4
 
 Zπ/2 Zπ/2 
4  
= sin x sin 2nx dx + cos x sin 2nx dx
π 

0 π/4

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

Zπ/2 )
+ [sin(1 + 2n)x − sin(1 − 2n)x] dx
π/4
Page 86
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

( Zπ/2
2
bn = [cos(2n − 1)x − cos(2n + 1)x] dx
π
0

Zπ/2 )
+ [sin(2n + 1)x + sin(2n − 1)x] dx
π/4

Since cos(−θ) = cos θ, sin(−θ) = − sin θ

( π/4
2 sin(2n − 1)x sin(2n + 1)x
= −
π 2n − 1 2n + 1 0
 π/2 )
− cos(2n + 1)x cos(2n − 1)x
+ −
2n + 1 2n − 1 π/4
π π
sin(2n − 1) sin(2n + 1)
(
2 4 − 4 − sin 0 + sin 0
=
π 2n − 1 2n + 1 2n − 1 2n + 1
π π  π π  #)
cos(2n + 1) cos(2n − 1) cos(2n + 1) cos(2n − 1)
"
− 2 + 2 − 4 + 4
2n + 1 2n − 1 2n + 1 2n − 1
(  nπ π   nπ π   π
2 sin 2 − 4 sin
2
+
4 −0+0−
cos nπ +
2
= −
π 2n − 1 2n + 1 2n + 1
 π  nπ π   nπ π  )
cos nπ + cos + cos −
− 2 + 2 4 + 2 4
2n − 1 2n + 1 2n − 1
( "
2 1 h nπ π nπ πi 1 nπ π
= sin cos − cos sin − sin cos
π 2n − 1 2 4 2 4 2n + 1 2 4
#
nπ π sin nπ sin nπ 1 h nπ π nπ πi
+ cos sin + − + cos cos − sin sin
2 4 2n + 1 2n − 1 2n + 1 2 4 2 4
)
1 h nπ π nπ πi
+ cos cos + sin sin
2n − 1 2 4 2 4

Page 87
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

(
2 1 h nπ π nπ π nπ π nπ πi
bn = sin cos − cos sin + cos cos + sin sin
π 2n − 1 2 4 2 4 2 4 2 4
" #)
1 nπ π nπ π  nπ π nπ π
− sin cos + cos sin − cos cos − sin sin
2n + 1 2 4 2 4 2 4 2 4
(  
2 1 1 nπ 1 nπ 1 nπ 1 nπ
= √ sin − √ cos + √ cos + √ sin
π 2n − 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
" #)
1 1 nπ 1 nπ 1 nπ π nπ
− √ sin + √ cos − √ cos + √ sin
2n + 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
( )
2 1 2 nπ 1 2 nπ
= . √ sin − . √ sin
π 2n − 1 2 2 2n + 1 2 2
 
4 nπ 1 1 8 nπ
= √ sin − = √ sin
π 2 2 2n − 1 2n + 1 π 2(2n − 1)(2n + 1) 2
∞
P 8 nπ
Therefore f (x) = √ sin sin 2nx.
n=1 π 2(2n − 1)(2n + 1) 2

Page 88
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Root Mean Square Value (RMS Value):

v
u Zb
u
u (f (x))2 dx
u
u
ta
Let f (x) be a function defined in an interval (a, b). Then is called
b−a
the root mean square or effective value of f (x) and is denoted by ȳ.

The RMS value is also known as the effective value of the function. The RMS
value is used in the theory of mechanical vibrations and in electric circuit theory.

Parseval’s Theorem:

If the Fourier series for f (x) in the interval (c, c + 2l) is

a0 P ∞ nπx P ∞ nπx
f (x) = + an cos + bn sin ,
2 n=1 l n=1 l
c+2l ∞
a2 1 X 2
Z
1
then (f (x))2 dx = 0 + (an + b2n ).
2l 4 2 n=1
c

Corollary
a0 P∞ nπx
(1) The half range cosine series for f (x) in (0, l) is f (x) = + an cos
2 n=1 l
Zl ∞
1 a20 1 X 2
then (f (x))2 dx = + a .
l 4 2 n=1 n
0
∞
P nπx
(2) The half range sine series for f (x) in (0, l) is f (x) = bn sin then
n=1 l
Zl ∞
1 1 X
(f (x))2 dx = b2n .
l 2 n=1
0
a0 P∞
(3) The half range cosine series for f (x) in (0, π) is f (x) = + an cos nx
2 n=1
Zπ ∞
1 a20 1 X 2
then (f (x))2 dx = + a .
π 4 2 n=1 n
0
∞
P
(4) The half range sine series for f (x) in (0, π) is f (x) = bn sin nx then
n=1
Zπ ∞
1 1X 2
(f (x))2 dx = b .
π 2 n=1 n
0

Page 89
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Example 1: Find the Fourier series of periodicity 2π for f (x) = x2 , in

1 1 1 π4
−π < x < π. Hence show that + + + . . . + to ∞ = .
14 24 34 90
Solution: Given the function is an even function. Therefore bn = 0.
a0 P ∞
The Fourier Cosine series is f (x) = + an cos nx
2 n=1

Zπ Zπ
2 2
where a0 = f (x)dx and an = f (x) cos nxdx.
π π
0 0

To find a0 , an :
Zπ
2
a0 = x2 dx
π
0
π
x3 2π 2

2
= =
π 3 0 3
Zπ
2
an = x2 cos nxdx
π
0
      π
2 2 sin nx − cos nx − sin nx
= x − 2x +2
π n n n3 0
 2 π
2 x sin nx 2x cos nx 2 sin nx
= + −
π n n n3 0
 
2 2π cos nπ
= , since sin 0 = sin nπ = 0
π n
4(−1)n
=
n2
π2 P ∞ 4
Therefore the Fourier Cosine series is x2 = + (−1)n 2 cos nx.
3 n=1 n
Deduction: Use Parseval’s Theorem
Zπ ∞
1 2 a20 1 X 2
(f (x)) dx = + (an + b2n ).
2π 4 2 n=1
−π

Zπ
1 4π 4 1 P ∞ 16 1
⇒ . + = x4 dx
4 9 2 n=1 n4 2π
−π

Page 90
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

∞ π
π4
Z
X 1 2
+8 4
= x4 dx
9 n=1
n 2π
0
 5 π
1 x
=
π 5 0
∞
X 16 π4 π4 4π 4
8 = − =
n=1
n4 5 9 45
∞
X 16 π4
= .
n=1
n4 90
 
l 4l πx 1 3πx
Example 2: Prove that in 0 < x < l, x = − 2 cos + 2 cos + ...
2 π l 3 l
1 1 1 π4
and deduce that 4 + 4 + 4 + . . . = .
1 3 5 96
Solution:
a0 P ∞ nπx
The Fourier Cosine series is f (x) = + an cos
2 n=1 l
Zπ Zl
2 2 nπx
where a0 = f (x) dx and an = f (x) cos dx.
π l l
0 0

To find a0 , an :
Zl  l
2 2 x2
a0 = x dx =
l l 2 0
0

2 l2
 
= − 0 = l.
l 2
Zl
2 nπx
an = x cos dx
l l
0
l
nπx  nπx
  
2 sin cos
= x.  nπl  − (1) − 2 l2 
 
l nπ
l l2 0
 nπx nπx  l
2  xl sin l l2 cos
= + l 
l nπ n2 π 2
0
Page 91
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
2 l2 sin nπ l2 cos nπ l2 cos 0
  
an = + − 0+ 2 2
l nπ n2 π 2 nπ
l2 (−1)n l2
 
2
= 0+ − 0 −
l n2 π 2 n2 π 2

2l 0; if n is even

n
= 2 2 [(−1) − 1] =
nπ  −4l ; if n is odd

π 2 n2
Therefore the Fourier Cosine series is
l 4l X 1 nπx
x= − 2 2
cos
2 π n=odd n l
 
l 4l 1 πx 1 3πx 1 5πx
= − 2 2 cos + 2 cos + 2 cos + ...
2 π 1 l 3 l 5 l

Zl ∞
1 2 a20 1 X 2
Deduction: By Parseval’s theorem (f (x)) dx = + a .
l 4 2 n=1 n
0

Zl
1 l2 1 X 16l2
x2 dx = +
l 4 2 n=odd n4 π 4
0
 l
1 x3 l2 8l2 X 1
= + 4
l 3 0 4 π n=odd n4
l2 l2 8l2 1
 
1 1
= + 4 + + + ...
3 4 π 14 34 54
8l2 1 l2 l2
 
1 1
⇒ 4 + + + ... = −
π 14 34 54 3 4
1 1 1 l2 π 4
⇒ + + + ... = .
14 34 54 12 8l2
1 1 1 π4
⇒ 4 + 4 + 4 + ... = .
1 3 5 96

Example 3: Find the half-range sine series for f (x) = x in 0 < x < l, then show
1 1 1 π2
that 2 + 2 + 2 + . . . = .
1 2 3 6
Solution:
∞
P nπx
The Fourier sine series is f (x) = bn sin
n=1 l
Page 92
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Zl
2 nπx
where bn = f (x) sin dx.
l l
0

Zl
2 nπx
bn = x sin dx
π l
0
π
nπx  nπx
  
2   − cos l  sin
l 
= x. − (1) −

l nπ 
nπ2 2 

l l2 0
 nπx nπx l
2  xl cos l l2 sin
= − + l 
l nπ n2 π 2
0
 2 2
l2 sin 0
 
2 l cos nπ l sin nπ
= − + − −0 + 2 2
l nπ n2 π 2 nπ
2 −l (−1)n
 2 
2l
= = (−1)n+1
l nπ nπ

∞ (−1)n+1
2l P nπx
Therefore the Fourier sine series is x = sin .
π n=1 n l
Deduction: By Parseval’s theorem
Zl ∞
1 2 1X 2
(f (x)) dx = b .
l 2 n=1 n
0

Zl ∞
1 1 X 4l2
x2 dx =
l 2 n=1 n2 π 2
0
 l ∞
1 x3 2l2 X 1
= 2
l 3 0 π n=1 n2
∞
X 1 π2
⇒ =
n=1
n2 6
1 1 1 π2
⇒ + + + . . . = .
12 22 32 6

Page 93
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Example 4: Find the half-range sine series for f (x) = x in 0 < x < π, then show
1 1 1 π2
that 2 + 2 + 2 + . . . = .
1 2 3 6
Solution:
∞
P
The Fourier sine series is f (x) = bn sin nx
n=1

Zπ
2
where bn = f (x) sin nxdx.
π
0

Zπ
2
bn = x sin nx dx
π
0
    π
2 − cos nx sin nx
= x. − (1) − 2
π n n 0
 π
2 x cos nx sin nx
= − +
π n n2 0
  
2 π cos nπ sin nπ sin 0
= − + − −0 + 2
π n n2 n
−π(−1)n
 
2 2
= = (−1)n+1
π n n

P∞ (−1)n+1
Therefore the Fourier sine series is x = 2 sin nx.
n=1 n
Deduction: By Parseval’s theorem
Zπ ∞
1 1X 2
(f (x))2 dx = b .
π 2 n=1 n
0

Zπ ∞
1 2 1X 4
x dx =
π 2 n=1 n2
0
 π ∞
1 x3 X 1
=2
π 3 0 n=1
n2
∞
X 1 π2
⇒ =
n=1
n2 6
1 1 1 π2
⇒ + + + . . . = .
12 22 32 6
Page 94
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Example 5: Find the half range cosine series for f (x) = x(π − x), in 0 < x < π.
1 1 1 π4
Deduce that 4 + 4 + 4 + . . . = .
1 2 3 90
Solution:
a0 P ∞
The Fourier Cosine series is f (x) = + an cos nx
2 n=1

Zπ Zπ
2 2
where a0 = f (x)dx and an = f (x) cos nxdx.
π π
0 0

To find a0 , an :

Zπ
2
a0 = x(π − x) dx
π
0
π
πx2 x3

2
= −
π 2 3 0
 3
π3 π2

2 π
= − = .
π 2 3 3
Zπ
2
an = (πx − x2 ) cos nx dx
π
0
    π
2 2 sin nx  cos nx  sin nx
= (πx − x ). − (π − 2x) − + (−2) − 3
π n n2 n 0
 π
2 sin nx cos nx 2 sin nx
= (πx − x2 ). + (π − 2x). +
π n n2 n3 0

2 sin nπ cos nπ 2 sin nπ
= (π 2 − π 2 ). + (π − 2π). +
π n n2 n3
 
π cos 0 2 sin 0
− 0+ +
n2 n3
(−π)(−1)n
 
2  π
= 0+ +0− 0+ 2 +0
π n2 n

2 0; if n is odd

n
= − 2 [(−1) + 1] =
n  −4 ; if n is even

n2

π2 P 1
Therefore the Fourier cosine series is x(π − x) = −4 2
cos nx.
6 n=even n
Page 95
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Deduction: By Parseval’s theorem

Zπ ∞
1 2 a20 1 X 2
(f (x)) dx = + a .
π 4 2 n=1 n
0

Zπ
1 π 4 1 X 16
(πx − x2 )2 dx = +
π 36 2 n=even n4
0
Zπ
1 π4 X 1
π 2 x2 − 2πx3 + x4 dx =
 
+8
π 36 n=even
n4
0
π
1 π 2 x3 2πx4 x5 π4
  
1 1 1
− + = + 8 4 + 4 + 4 + ...
π 3 4 5 0 36 2 4 6
π4 π4
 
8 1 1 1
[10 − 15 + 6] = + + + + ...
30 36 24 14 24 34
π4 π4
 
1 1 1 1
+ + + ... = −
2 14 24 34 30 36
1 1 1 π4
+ + + . . . = .
14 24 34 90

Example 6: Find the half-range cosine series for f (x) = (x − 1)2 in 0 < x < 1.
P∞ 1
Hence find the sum of the series 4
.
n=1 n

Solution: Here l = 1.
a0 P ∞
Therefore the half range cosine series is f (x) = + an cos nπx
2 n=1

Z1 Z1
where a0 = 2 f (x) dx, an = 2 f (x) cos nπx dx.
0 0

Z1
(x − 1)3
 
2 2
a0 = (x − 1) dx = 2 = .
3 3
0

Z1
an = (x − 1)2 cos nπx dx
0
      1
2 sin nπx − cos nπx − sin nπx
= 2 (x − 1) . − 2(x − 1). +2
nπ n2 π 2 n3 π 3 0
Page 96
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
1
(x − 1)2 sin nπx 2(x − 1) cos nπx 2 sin nπx

an = 2 + −
nπ n2 π 2 n3 π 3 0
  
2 sin nπ 2 cos 0 4
=2 0+0− − 0− 2 2 −0 = 2 2.
n3 π 3 nπ nπ
1 P ∞ 4
Therefore the half-range cosine series is (x − 1)2 = + cos nπx.
3 n=1 n π 2
2

Deduction: By Parseval’s theorem

Zl ∞
1 2 a20 1 X 2
(f (x)) dx = + a .
l 4 2 n=1 n
0

Z1 ∞
4 1 4 1 X 16
(x − 1) dx = . +
4 9 2 n=1 n4 π 4
0
1 ∞
(x − 1)5

1 8 X 1
= + 4
5 0 9 π n=1 n4
∞
1 1 8 X 1
= + 4
5 9 π n=1 n4
∞
8 X 1 1 1 4
4 4
= − =
π n=1 n 5 9 45
∞
X 1 π4
⇒ 4
= .
n=1
n 90

Example 7: Find the RMS value of f (x) = 1 − x in 0 < x < 1.

Solution:
v
u Rb
u (f (x))2 dx
u
ta
RMS value of f (x) =
b−a
v
uZ1
u
= t (1 − x)2 dx
u

0
s 1
(1 − x)3
=
−3 0
r
1
= .
3
Page 97
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Example 8: Find the RMS value of f (x) = x − x2 , in −1 < x < 1.

Solution:
v
u R1
u (x − x2 )2 dx
u
t−1
RMS value of f (x) =
2
v
u Z1
u1
u
=t (x2 + x4 − 2x3 )dx
2
−1
v
u Z1
u1
u
= t × 2 (x2 + x4 )dx since x3 is an odd function
2
0
r
8
= .
15

Example 9: Find the RMS value of f (x) = x in −1 ≤ x ≤ 1

Solution:
v
u R1
u x2 dx
u
t−1
RMS value of f (x) =
2
v
u 1
u R 2
u 2 x dx
t 0
= since x2 is an even function
2
1
=√ .
3

Page 98
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Harmonic Analysis

In many practical problems, the function f (x) is represented in a tabular form

obtained from an experiment. In such cases approximate values of the Fourier
coefficients are obtained by numerical methods of integration.

Definition: The process of finding the Fourier series for a function given by
numerical value is known as harmonic analysis.

Trapezoidal rule: If f (x) is defined in (a, b) then

Zb  
1
f (x) dx = h (y0 + ym ) + (y1 + y2 + y3 + . . . + ym−1 )
2
a

b−a
where h = is the width of each sub-interval, m is the number of sub-intervals
m
and values at each point of division is yi = f (xi ), i = 0, 1, 2, . . . , m.

Because of periodicity, if we assume y0 = ym then

Zb
f (x) dx = h [y0 + y1 + y2 + y3 + . . . + ym−1 ]
a

(or)
Zb
f (x) dx = h [y1 + y2 + y3 + . . . + ym−1 + ym ]
a

Suppose f (x) be considered in an interval of length 2π, 0 < x < 2π.

a0 P ∞ P∞
Then f (x) = + an cos nx + bn sin nx
2 n=1 n=1
Page 99
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Divide the interval into m equal parts with m + 1 points x0 , x1 , . . . , xm with

2π
h= .
m
Let yi = f (xi ), i = 0, 1, 2, . . . , m then
Z2π
1 1 2π
a0 = f (x) dx = . [y0 + y1 + . . . + ym−1 ]
2 π m
0
m−1
2 X
= yi or = 2[mean value of f (x)]
m i=0
Z2π m−1
1 1 2π X
an = f (x) cos nx dx = . yi cos nxi
2 π m i=0
0
m−1
2 X
= yi cos nxi or = 2[mean value of f (x) cos nx]
m i=0
Z2π m−1
1 1 2π X
bn = f (x) sin nx dx = . yi sin nxi
2 π m i=0
0
m−1
2 X
= yi sin nxi or = 2[mean value of f (x) sin nx]; n ≥ 1.
m i=0
Note:

(1) Usually take m = 6 or 12.

(2) In a Fourier expansion, the term a1 cos x + b1 sin x is called the first harmonic
or fundamental harmonic of Fourier expansion of f (x), the term a2 cos 2x +
b2 sin 2x is called the second harmonic and so on.

Page 100
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Example 1: Determine the first two harmonics of the Fourier series for the
following data:
π 2π 4π 5π
x 0 π
3 3 3 3
y 1.98 1.30 1.05 1.30 -0.88 -0.25

a0 P 2 2
P 2 P
Solution: Let f (x) = + an cos nx + bn sin nx where a0 = y,
2 n=1 n=1 m
2 P 2 P
an = y cos nx and bn = y sin nx, n = 1, 2.
m m

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

0 1.98 1 0 1 0 1.98 0 1.98 0
π
1.3 0.5 0.866 -0.5 0.866 0.65 1.126 -0.65 1.126
3
2π
1.05 -0.5 0.866 -0.5 -0.866 -0.525 0.909 -0.525 -0.909
3
π 1.3 -1 0 1 0 -1.3 0 1.3 0
4π
-0.88 -0.5 -0.866 0.5 0.866 0.44 0.762 0.44 -0.762
3
5π
-0.25 0.5 -0.866 0.5 -0.866 -0.125 0.217 0.125 0.217
3
4.5 1.12 3.014 -2067 -0.328

2
Now a0 = (4.5) = 1.5
6
2 P 1
a1 = y cos x = (1.12) = 0.3733
6 3
2P 1
a2 = y cos 2x = (2.67) = 0.89
6 3
2P 1
b1 = y sin x = (3.014) = 1.0048
6 3
2P 1
b2 = y sin 2x = (−.328) = −0.1093
6 3
Hence f (x) = 0.75 + 0.3733 cos x + 1.0048 sin x + 0.89 cos 2x − 0.1093 sin 2x.

Page 101
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Example 2: Find the Fourier series upto third harmonic from the following data:
π 2π 4π 5π
x 0 π 2π
3 3 3 3
y 1 1.4 1.9 1.7 1.5 1.2 1

a0 P 3 3
P 2 P
Solution: Let f (x) = + an cos nx + bn sin nx where a0 = y,
2 n=1 n=1 m
2 P 2 P
an = y cos nx and bn = y sin nx, n = 1, 2, 3.
m m

x y y cos x y sin x y cos 2x y sin 2x y cos 3x y sin 3x

0 1 1 0 1 0 1 0
π
1.4 0.7 1.212 -0.7 1.212 -1.4 0
3
2π
1.9 -0.95 1.65 -0.95 -1.65 1.9 0
3
π 1.7 -1.7 0 1.7 0 -1.7 0
4π
1.5 -0.75 -1.299 0.75 1.299 1.5 0
3
5π
1.2 0.6 -1.039 -0.6 -1.039 -1.2 0
3
8.7 -1.1 0.519 -0.3 -0.173 0.1 0

2
Now a0 = (8.7) = 2.9
6
2P 1
a1 = y cos x = (−1.1) = −0.3667
6 3
2 P 1
a2 = y cos 2x = (−0.3) = −0.1
6 3
2 P 1
a3 = y cos 3x = (0.1) = 0.033
6 3
2 P 1
b1 = y sin x = (0.519) = 0.173
6 3
2 P 1
b2 = y sin 2x = (−0.173) = −0.0577
6 3
b3 = 0

Hence f (x) = 1.45−0.3667 cos x+0.173 sin x−0.1 cos 2x−0.0577 sin 2x+0.033 cos 3x.

Page 102
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

Example 3: Find the Fourier sine series upto third harmonic for the function
y = f (x) in (0, π) from the table:
π 2π 3π 4π 5π
x 0 π
6 6 6 6 6
y 2.34 2.2 1.6 0.83 0.51 0.88 2.34

3
P 2 P
Solution: Let f (x) = bn sin nx where bn = f (x) sin nx, n = 1, 2, 3.
n=1 m

x y sin x sin 2x sin 3x y sin x y sin 2x y sin 3x

0 2.34 0 0 0 0 0 0
π
2.2 0.5 0.866 1 1.1 1.905 2.2
6
2π
1.6 0.866 0.866 0 1.386 1.386 0
6
3π
0.83 1 0 -1 0.83 0 -0.83
6
4π
0.51 0.866 -0.866 0 0.442 -0.442 0
6
5π
0.88 0.5 -0.866 1 0.44 -0.762 0.88
6
4.198 2.087 2.25

2P 1
Now b1 = y sin x = (4.198) = 1.399
6 3
2P 1
b2 = y sin 2x = (2.087) = 0.696
6 3
2P 1
b3 = y sin 2x = (2.25) = 0.75
6 3
Hence f (x) = 1.399 sin x + 0.696 sin 2x + 0.75 sin 3x.

Example 4: Find the Fourier cosine series of y = f (x) in (0, π) upto the third
harmonic from the following table:
π π π 2π 5π
x 0
6 3 2 3 6
y 0 9.2 14.4 17.8 17.3 11.7

a0 P 3
Solution: Let f (x) = + an cos nx
2 n=1

2 P 2 P
where a0 = y, an = y cos nx, n = 1, 2, 3.
m m
Page 103
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

x y cos x cos 2x cos 3x y cos x y cos 2x y cos 3x

0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0
π
9.2 0.866 0.5 0 7.967 4.6 0
6
π
14.4 0.5 -0.5 -1 7.2 -7.2 -14.4
3
π
17.8 0 -1 0 0 -17.8 0
2
2π
17.3 -0.5 -0.5 1 -8.65 -8.65 17.3
3
5π
11.7 -0.866 0.5 0 -10.132 5.85 0
6
70.4 -3.615 -23.2 2.9

2
Now a0 = (70.4) = 23.467
6
2P 1
a1 = y cos x = (−3.615) = −1.205
6 3
2P 1
a2 = y cos 2x = (−23.2) = −7.733
6 3
2P 1
a2 = y cos 3x = (2.9) = 0.9667
6 3
Hence f (x) = 11.734 − 1.205 cos x − 7.733 cos 2x + 0.9667 cos 3x.

Example 5: Find the Fourier series as far as the second harmonic to represent
the function given below:
x 0 1 2 3 4 5
f (x) 9 18 24 28 26 20

Solution:
a0 P 2 P2 πx
Let f (x) = + an cos nθ + bn sin nθ where θ = ,
2 n=1 n=1 l
2 P 2 P 2 P
a0 = f (x), an = f (x) cos nθ, bn = f (x) sin nθ, n = 1, 2.
m m m
Here 2l = 6 ⇒ l = 3.
πx
Therefore θ = .
3

Page 104
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

πx
x θ= f (x) f (x) cos θ f (x) cos 2θ f (x) sin θ f (x) sin 2θ
3
0 0 9 9 9 0 0
π
1 18 9 -9 15.588 15.588
3
2π
2 24 -12 -12 20.784 -20.784
3
3 π 28 -28 28 0 0
4π
4 26 -13 -13 -22.516 22.516
3
5π
5 20 10 -10 -17.32 -17.32
3
125 -25 -7 -3.464 0

2
Now a0 = (125) = 41.667
6
2P 1
a1 = f (x) cos x = (−25) = −8.333
6 3
2P 1
a2 = f (x) cos 2x = (−7) = −2.333
6 3
2P 1
b1 = f (x) sin x = (−3.464) = −1.155
6 3
2P
b2 = f (x) sin 2x = 0
6
Hence f (x) = 20.834 − 8.333 cos θ − 1.155 sin θ − 2.333 cos 2θ.
πx πx 2πx
(or) f (x) = 20.834 − 8.333 cos − 1.155 sin − 2.333 cos .
3 3 3
Example 6: Find the first three harmonics in the Fourier Cosine series of y =
f (x) in (0,6) using the following table

x 0 1 2 3 4 5
f (x) 4 8 15 7 6 2

Solution:
a0 P 3 πx
Let f (x) = + an cos nθ where θ = ,
2 n=1 l
2 P 2 P
a0 = f (x), an = f (x) cos nθ, n = 1, 2, 3.
m m
Here l = 6.
Page 105
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

πx
x θ= f (x) f (x) cos θ f (x) cos 2θ f (x) cos 3θ
6
0 0 4 4 4 4
π
1 8 6.928 4 0
6
π
2 15 7.5 -7.5 -15
3
π
3 17 0 -7 0
2
2π
4 6 -3 -3 6
3
5π
5 2 -1.732 -1 0
6
42 13.696 -8.5 -5

2 2 2
Now a0 = (42) = 14, a1 = (13.696) = 4.5653, a2 = (−8.5) = −2.8333
6 6 6
2
a3 = (−5) = −1.6667
6
πx
Therefore f (x) = 7 + 4.5653 cos θ − 2.8333 cos 2θ − 1.6667 cos 3θ where θ = .
6
Example 7: The values of x and the corresponding values of f (x) over a period
2πx
T are given below. Show that f (x) = 0.75 + 0.37 cos θ + 1.004 sin θ where θ = .
T

T T T 2T 5T
x 0 T
6 3 2 3 6
f (x) 1.98 1.30 1.05 1.30 -0.88 -0.25 1.98

Solution:

2πx
x θ= f (x) f (x) cos θ f (x) sin θ
T
0 0 1.98 1.98 0
T π
1.30 0.65 1.1258
6 3
T 2π
1.05 -0.525 0.9093
3 3
T
π 1.30 -1.3 0
2
2T 4π
-0.88 0.44 0.762
3 3
5T 5π
-0.25 -0.125 0.2165
6 6
4.6 1.12 3.013
Page 106
Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST
a0
Let f (x) = + a1 cos θ + b1 sin θ
2
2 P 2 P 2 P
a0 = f (x), a1 = f (x) cos θ, b1 = f (x) sin θ.
m m m
2 2 2
Now a0 = (4.6) = 1.5, a1 = (1.12) = 0.37, b1 = (3.013) = 1.005.
6 6 6
2πx
Therefore f (x) = 0.75 + 0.37 cos θ + 1.005 sin θ where θ = .
T
Example 8: Compute the first three harmonics of the Fourier series for f (x)
from the following data:
x 30◦ 60◦ 90◦ 120◦ 150◦ 180◦ 210◦ 240◦ 270◦ 300◦ 330◦ 360◦
f (x) 2.34 3.01 3.68 4.15 3.69 2.20 0.83 0.51 0.88 1.09 1.19 1.64

a0 P 3 P3 2 P
Solution: Let f (x) = + an cos nx + bn sin nx where a0 = f (x),
2 n=1 n=1 m
2 P 2 P
an = f (x) cos nx and bn = f (x) sin nx, n = 1, 2, 3.
m m

x f (x) f (x) cos x f (x) sin x f (x) cos 2x f (x) sin 2x f (x) cos 3x f (x) sin 3x
30◦ 2.34 2.026 1.17 1.17 2.026 0 2.34
60◦ 3.01 1.505 2.607 -1.505 2.607 -3.01 0
90◦ 3.68 0 3.68 -3.68 0 0 -3.68
120◦ 4.15 -2.075 3.594 -2.075 -3.594 4.15 0
150◦ 3.69 -3.196 1.845 1.845 -3.196 0 3.69
180◦ 2.20 -2.20 0 2.20 0 -2.20 0
210◦ 0.83 -0.719 -0.415 0.415 0.719 0 -0.83
240◦ 0.51 -0.255 -0.442 -0.255 0.442 0.51 0
270◦ 0.88 0 -0.88 -0.88 0 0 0.88
300◦ 1.09 0.545 -0.944 -0.545 -0.944 -1.09 0
330◦ 1.19 1.031 -0.595 0.595 -1.031 0 -1.19
360◦ 1.64 1.64 0 1.64 0 1.64 0
25.21 -1.698 9.620 -1.075 -2.971 0 1.21

2 2
Now a0 = (25.21) = 4.202, a1 = (−1.698) = −0.283,
12 12
2 2
a2 = (−1.075) = −0.179, a3 = 0, b1 = (9.620) = 1.603,
12 12
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Dr. V. Suvitha, Department of Mathematics, SRMIST

2 2
b2 = (−2.971) = −0.495, b3 = (1.21) = 0.202. Therefore
12 12
f (x) = 2.101 − 0.283 cos x + 1.603 sin x − 0.179 cos 2x − 0.495 sin 2x + 0.202 sin 3x.

Example 9: Compute the first three harmonics of the Fourier series of f (x) given
by the following table:
x 0◦ 30◦ 60◦ 90◦ 120◦ 150◦ 180◦ 210◦ 240◦ 270◦ 300◦ 330◦
f (x) 6.824 7.976 8.026 7.204 5.676 3.674 1.764 0.552 0.262 0.904 2.492 4.736

a0 P 3 P3 2 P
Solution: Let f (x) = + an cos nx + bn sin nx where a0 = f (x),
2 n=1 n=1 m
2 P 2 P
an = f (x) cos nx and bn = f (x) sin nx, n = 1, 2, 3.
m m

x f (x) f (x) cos x f (x) sin x f (x) cos 2x f (x) sin 2x f (x) cos 3x f (x) sin 3x
0◦ 6.824 6.824 0 6.824 0 6.824 0
30◦ 7.976 6.907 3.988 3.988 6.907 0 7.976
60◦ 8.026 4.013 6.950 -4.013 6.950 -8.026 0
90◦ 7.204 0 7.204 -7.204 0 0 -7.24
120◦ 5.676 -2.838 4.916 -2.838 -4.918 5.676 0
150◦ 3.674 -3.182 1.187 1.837 -3.182 0 3.674
180◦ 1.764 -1.764 0 1.764 0 -1.764 0
210◦ 0.552 -0.478 -0.276 0.276 0.478 0 -0.552
240◦ 0.262 0.131 -0.227 -0.131 0.227 0.262 0
270◦ 0.904 0 -0.904 -0.904 0 0 0.904
300◦ 2.492 1.246 -2.158 -1.246 -2.158 -2.492 0
330◦ 4.736 4.102 -2.368 2.368 -4.102 0 -4.736
50.09 14.699 18.962 0.721 0.204 18.962 0.062

2 2
Now a0 = (50.09) = 8.348, a1 = (14.699) = 2.450,
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2 2 2
a2 = (0.721) = 0.12, a3 = (0.48) = 0.08, b1 = (18.962) = 3.16,
12 12 12
2 2
b2 = (0.204) = 0.034, b3 = (0.062) = 0.010. Therefore
12 12
f (x) = 4.174 + 2.45 cos x + 3.16 sin x + 0.12 cos 2x + 0.034 sin 2x + 0.08 cos 3x +
0.01 sin 3x.
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