2 Fourier series(F.S.

Dirichlet’s conditions - General Fourier series - Odd and even

functions - Half range sine series - Half range cosine series -
Complex form of Fourier Series - Parseval’s identity - Harmonic
Analysis.

2.0.1 Periodic function

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

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

Examples :
1. sin(x + 2π) = sin x, 2π is period for f (x) = sin x
2. cos(x + 2π) = cos x, 2π is period for f (x) = cos x
3. tan(x + π) = tan x, π is period for f (x) = tan x
 
2π 2π
4. sin x + = sin nx, is period for f (x) = sin nx
n n
 
2π 2π
5. cos x + = cos nx, is period for f (x) = cos nx
n n
 π π
6. tan x + = tan nx, is period for f (x) = tan nx
n n

2.0.2 Continuity of a function

A function f (x) is said to be continuous in the interval [a, b], if it is

continuous at every point of the interval.

2.0.3 Left Hand Limit

The left hand limit of f (x) at x = a is defined as x approaches a from

left and denoted by f (a−) and is defined by

f (a−) = lim f (a − h)
h→0

89
90 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

2.0.4 Right Hand Limit

The right hand limit of f (x) at x = a is defined as x approaches a from

right and denoted by f (a+) and is defined by
f (a+) = lim f (a + h)
h→0

Note : A function f (x) is said to be continuous at x = a is

f (a−) = f (a) = f (a+)

2.1 Dirichlet’s conditions

If a function f (x) is defined in c ≤ x ≤ c + 2`, it can be expanded as

Fourier series of the form
∞
a0 X  nπx nπx 
f (x) = + an cos + bn sin
2 n=1
` `
where a0 , an , bn are Fourier constant coefficients, provided:
(i) f (x) is periodic, single valued and finite in (c, c + 2`).
(ii) f (x) is continuous (or) piecewise continuous with finite number of
discontinuities in (c, c + 2`).
(iii) f (x) has at the most a finite number of maxima or minima in
(c, c + 2`).

2.2 General Fourier series

In (c, c + 2`), Fourier series is

∞
a0 X  nπx nπx 
f (x) = + an cos + bn sin
2 n=1
` `
where a0 , an , bn are Fourier coefficients which can be found by Euler’s
formulae.

2.2.1 Euler’s formula

In (c, c + 2`), Fourier series is

∞
a0 X  nπx nπx 
f (x) = + an cos + bn sin
2 n=1
` `
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 91

where
1 c+2`
Z
a0 = f (x) dx
` c
1 c+2`
Z  nπx 
an = f (x)cos dx
` c `
1 c+2`
Z  nπx 
bn = f (x)sin dx
` c `
Case(i): If c = 0, (c, c + 2`) becomes (0, 2`).
∴ Fourier series is
∞
a0 X  nπx nπx 
f (x) = + an cos + bn sin
2 n=1
` `
where
1 2`
Z
a0 = f (x) dx
` 0
1 2`
Z  nπx 
an = f (x)cos dx
` 0 `
1 2`
Z  nπx 
bn = f (x)sin dx
` 0 `
Case(ii): If c = −`, (c, c + 2`) becomes (−`, `).
∴ Fourier series is
∞
a0 X  nπx nπx 
f (x) = + an cos + bn sin
2 n=1
` `
where
1 `
Z
a0 = f (x) dx
` −`
1 `
Z  nπx 
an = f (x)cos dx
` −` `
1 `
Z  nπx 
bn = f (x)sin dx
` −` `

Case(iii): If c = 0 and ` = π, (c, c + 2`) becomes (0, 2π).

∴ Fourier series is
∞
a0 X
f (x) = + (an cos nx + bn sin nx)
2 n=1
where
92 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

1 π
Z
a0 = f (x) dx
π 0
1 π
Z
an = f (x)cosnx dx
π 0
1 π
Z
bn = f (x)sinnx dx
π 0

Case(iv): If c = −π and ` = π, (c, c + 2`) becomes (−π, π).

∴ Fourier series is
∞
a0 X
f (x) = + (an cos nx + bn sin nx)
2 n=1

where
1 π
Z
a0 = f (x) dx
π −π
1 π
Z
an = f (x)cosnx dx
π −π
1 π
Z
bn = f (x)sinnx dx
π −π

While finding series(Fourier/Cosine/Sine/Complex/Harmonic):

Analyse what series, what interval and f (x ) with related formulae.
Intervals : (0, 2π), (−π, π), (0, π), (0, 2`), (−`, `), (0, `)

(* denotes class work problems)

 
Worked Examples


2.2.2 Examples under (0, 2π)

2
Example 2.1.
 Find the Fourier series off (x) = x in (0, 2π) and with
8 4 −4π
period 2π. a0 = π 2 , an = 2 , bn =
3 n n

Solution : Given f (x) = x2 defined in the interval (0, 2π).

∴ The Fourier series of f (x) is given by
∞
a0 X
f (x) = + (an cos nx + bn sin nx) (1)
2 n=1
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 93

Z2π
1
where a0 = f (x) dx
π
0
Z2π
1
an = f (x) cos nxdx
π
0
Z2π
1
bn = f (x) sin nxdx
π
0
Z2π  3  3
8π 2

1 2 1 x 1 8π
Now, a0 = x dx = = −0 =
π π 3 π 3 3
0
Z2π
1
an = x2 cos nxdx
π
0

     2π
1 2 sin nx − cos nx − sin nx
= x − 2x +2
π n n2 n3 0
 2π
1 sin nx cos nx sin nx
= x2 + 2x 2 − 2 3
π n n n
   0
1 4π
= 0 + 2 − 0 − (0 + 0 − 0) [∵ cos 2nπ = 1]
π n
4
∴ an = 2
n
Z2π
1
bn = x2 sin nxdx
π
0
 
1 2 − cos nx
 
− sin nx
  cos nx 2π
= x − 2x +2
π n n2 n3 0
 2π
1 cos nx sin nx cos nx
= −x2 + 2x 2 + 2 3
π n n n 0
2
   
1 −4π 2 2
= +0+ 3 − 0+0+ 3
π n n n
1 −4π 2
 
=
π n
−4π
∴ bn =
n
Sub. the value of a0 , an , bn in (1)
94 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

∞ 
8π 2
  
1 X 4 4π
f (x) = + 2
cos nx − sin nx
2 3 n=1
n n
2 ∞
X cos nx π sin nx 

4π
= +4 2
−
3 n=1
n n
Example 2.2. * Find the Fourier series
 of f (x) = x in (0, 2π) with f (x +

−2
2π) = f (x). Ans : a0 = 2π, an = 0, bn =
n
2
 = (π − x) in (0, 2π) of
Example 2.3. Find the Fourier series of f (x) 
2 2 4
periodicity 2π. a0 = π , a n = 2 , b n = 0
3 n
Example 2.4. * Obtain the Fourier series expansion for the function
f (x) = x(2π − x) in 0 ≤ x ≤ 2π, with period 2π. Show that
1 1 1 π2
1 2 + 22 + 3 2 + · · · = 6  
4 2 4
a0 = π , a n = − 2 , b n = 0
3 n

Solution: Given f (x) = x(2π − x)

= 2πx − x2
The Fourier series of f (x) is given by
∞
a0 X
f (x) = + (an cos nx + bn sin nx) (1)
2 n=1
Z2π Z2π Z2π
1 1 1
where a0 = f (x) dx,an = f (x) cos nxdx, bn = f (x) sin nxdx
π π π
0 0 0

Z2π
1
2πx − x2 dx


Now, a0 =
π
0
2π 3 2π
x2 x3
  
1 1 x
= 2π − = πx2 −
π 2 3 0 π 3 0
2
  
1 8π
= 4π 3 − −0
π 3
1 4π 3
 
=
π 3
4π 2
a0 =
3
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 95

Z2π
1
2πx − x2 cos nxdx


an =
π
0    
1
sin nx
2 − cos nx
= 2πx − x − (2π − 2x)
π n n2
 2π
− sin nx
+ (−2)
n3 0
 2π
1 sin nx cos nx 2 sin nx
2πx − x2


= + (2π − 2x) +
π n n2 n3 0
   
1 1 1
= 0 + (−2π) 2 + 0 − 0 + 2π 2
π n n +0
 
1 −2π 2π
= − 2
π n2 n
 
1 −4π
=
π n2
−4
an =
n2

Z2π
1
2πx − x2 sin nxdx


bn =
π
0    
1 − cos nx − sin nx
2πx − x2


= − (2π − 2x)
π n n2
 cos nx i2π
+ (−2)
n3 0
 2π
1 2 cos nx

sin nx cos nx
= − 2πx − x + (2π − 2x) −2 3
π n n2 n 0
   
1 2 2
= 0+0− 3 − 0+0− 3
π n n
bn = 0
Sub. the value of a0 , an and bn in (1),
∞ 
1 4π 2
  X 
−4
f (x) = + 2
cos nx + 0
2 3 n=1
n
∞
2π 2 X cos nx
f (x) = −4
3 n=1
n2
96 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

Deduction :

Since f (x) = x (2π − x)

∞
2π 2 X cos nx
∴ x (2π − x) = −4
3 n=1
n2

Put x = 0,

∞
2π 2 X 1
0= −4
3 n=1
n2
∞
X 1 2π 2
4 2
=
n=1
n 3
∞
X 1 2π 2
i.e., 2
=
n=1
n 12
1 1 1 π2
i.e., 2 + 2 + 2 + · · · = .
1 2 3 6

Example  2.5. Find the Fourier series of periodicity 2π for

x, (0, π)
f (x) =
2π − x, (π, 2π)


x, (0, π)
Solution: Given f (x) =
2π − x, (π, 2π)
Since the function f (x) is defined in the interval (0, 2π).
∴ The Fourier series of f (x) is given by

∞
a0 X
f (x) = + (an cos nx + bn sin nx) (1)
2 n=1
Z2π Z2π Z2π
1 1 1
where a0 = f (x) dx,an = f (x) cos nxdx, bn = f (x) sin nxdx
π π π
0 0 0
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 97

 π 
Z Z2π
1
Now, a0 =  xdx + (2π − x) dx
π
0 π
" π 2π #
x2 x2
 
1
= + 2πx −
π 2 0 2 π
 2    2

1 π π
− 0 + 4π 2 − 2π 2 − 2π 2 −


=
π 2 2
 2 2
  2 2 2

1 π 3π 1 π + 4π − 3π
= + 2π 2 − =
π 2 2 π 2
 2
1 2π
=
π 2
a0 = π

 π 
Z Z2π
1
an =  x cos nxdx + (2π − x) cos nxdx
π
π
0    π
1 sin nx − cos nx
= x −1·
π n n2 0
    2π #
sin nx − cos nx
+ (2π − x) − (−1)
n n2 π
" π  2π #
1 x sin nx cos nx sin nx cos nx
= + + (2π − x) −
π n n2 0 n n2 π
(−1)n (−1)n
       
1 1 1
= 0+ − 0+ 2 + 0− 2 − 0−
π n2 n n n
1 (−1)n (−1)n
 
1 1
= − 2− 2+
π n2 n n n2
1 2 (−1)n
 
2
= −
π n2 n2
2
an = 2 [(−1)n − 1]
nπ
98 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

 π 
Z Z2π
1
bn =  x sin nxdx + (2π − x) sin nxdx
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  2π #
1 −x cos nx sin nx cos nx sin nx
= + + − (2π − x) −
π n n2 0 n n2 π
−π (−1)n −π (−1)n
     
1
= + 0 − (0 + 0) + (0 − 0) − −0
π n n
1 −π (−1)n π (−1)n
 
= +
π n n
bn = 0

Sub. the value of a0 , an and bn in (1)

∞  
π X 2
f (x) = + 2
((−1)n − 1) cos nx + 0
2 n=1 n π
∞ 
π 2 X (−1)n − 1

f (x) = + cos nx
2 π n=1 n2
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 99

For deduction parts

Continuous point Discontinuous point

Same point At extremes At middle

f (x) = Average of
Substitute the f (x) = Average of
LHL & RHL
continuous point function at extremes
Example:
in f (x) directly Example:
x (1)f
 (x) =
Example: (1)f (x) = in (0, 2π) at
2 0, 0 < x < π
(1) x = 0 is
x π, π < x < 2π
f (x) = f (x = 0)
2 in (0, 2π) is
in (0, 2π) at x = π = f (x = 0) + f (x = 2π) f (x = π)
is 2 f (π−) + f (π+)
π 0
+ 2 2π
π =
f (x = π) = = 2 = 2
2 2 2 where
(2) (2)f (x) = cos x f (π−) = lim f (π − h)
f (x) = x3 − x h→0
π in (0, 2π) at x = 2π is =0
in (0, 2π) at x =
2 &
is  f (x = 2π)
π 
cos 0 + cos 2π
f x= = f (π+) = lim f (π + h)
2 = h→0
 π 3  π  2
− 1+1 =π
2 2 = =1 0+π
2 ∴ f (x = π) =
2
π
=
2
1
Example 2.6. Find the Fourier series for the function f (x) = (π − x)
2
1 1 π
in(0, 2π) with period 2π and deduce 1 − + − · · · = .
3 5 4 
1 π
a0 = 0, an = 0, bn = &x =
n 2
Example 2.7. Find the Fourier series for the function
π2

x, (0, π) 1 1 1
f (x) = and deduce 2 + 2 + 2 + · · · = .
2π − x, (π, 2π)  1 3 5 8 
2 n
a0 = π, an = [(−1) − 1] , bn = 0&x = 0
πn2
Example 2.8. * Find the Fourier series for f (x) = x (2π − x) in (0, 2π)
∞
π2 4π 2
 
X 1 −4
and deduce 2
= . a0 = , an = 2 , bn = 0&x = 0
n=1
n 6 3 n
100 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

Example 2.9. Find the Fourier series for f (x) = x sin x in (0, 2π) and
1 1 1 π−2
deduce − + − ··· = .
(1)(3) (3)(4) (5)(7) 4 
−2 −1 π
a0 = −2, an = (n 6= 1) , a1 = , bn = 0 (n 6= 1) , b1 = π&x =
1−n2 2 2

Solution : Given f (x) = x sin x in (0, 2π).

∴ The Fourier series of f (x) is given by
∞
a0 X
f (x) = + (an cos nx + bn sin nx) (1)
2 n=1
Z2π Z2π Z2π
1 1 1
where a0 = f (x) dx, an = f (x) cos nxdx, bn = f (x) sin nxdx
π π π
0 0 0

Z2π
1
Now, a0 = x sin xdx
π
0
1
= [x (− cos x) − 1 (− sin x)]2π
0
π
1
= [−x cos x + sin x]2π
0
π
1
= [(−2π + 0) − (0 + 0)]
π
a0 = −2

Z2π
1
an = x sin x cos nxdx
π
0
Z2π
1
= x cos nx sin xdx
π
0
Z2π
1 1
= x (sin (n + 1) x − sin (n − 1) x) dx
π 2
0
Z2π
1
= x (sin (n + 1) x − sin (n − 1) x) dx
2π
0
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 101

  
1 − cos (n + 1) x cos (n − 1) x
= x +
2π n+1 n−1
 2π
− sin (n + 1) x sin (n − 1) x
−1 +
(n + 1)2 (n − 1)2 0
  
1 cos (n − 1) x cos (n + 1) x
= x −
2π n−1 n+1
2π
sin (n + 1) x sin (n − 1) x
+ −
(n + 1)2 (n − 1)2
     0
1 1 1
= 2π − + 0 − 0 − [0 + 0 − 0]
2π n−1 n+1
1 1 n + 1 − (n − 1)
= − =
n−1 n+1 n2 − 1
2
an = 2 , n 6= 1
n −1

Z2π
1 1
R2π
a1 = x sin x cos xdx (∵ an = π x sin x cos nxdx)
π 0
0
Z2π
1
= x2 sin x cos xdx
2π
0
Z2π
1
= x sin 2xdx
2π
0
    2π
1 − cos 2x − sin 2x
= x −1·
2π 2 4
 2π  0  
1 −x cos 2x sin 2x 1 −2π
= + = + 0 − (0 + 0)
2π 2 4 0 2π 2
−1
a1 =
2
102 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

Z2π
1
bn = x sin x sin nxdx
π
0
Z2π
1
= x sin nx sin xdx
π
0
Z2π
1 1
= x (cos (n − 1) x − cos (n + 1) x)dx
π 2
0
Z2π
1
= x (cos (n − 1) x − cos (n + 1) x)dx
π
0
  
1 sin (n − 1) x sin (n + 1) x
= x −
2π n−1 n+1
 2π
− cos (n − 1) x cos (n + 1) x
−1 +
(n − 1)2 (n + 1)2 0
  
1 sin (n + 1) x sin (n − 1) x
= x −
2π n+1 n−1
 2π
cos (n − 1) x cos (n + 1) x
+ −
(n − 1)2 (n + 1)2 0
   
1 1 1 1 1
= 0+ − − 0+ −
2π (n − 1)2 (n + 1)2 (n − 1)2 (n + 1)2
bn = 0, n 6= 1
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 103

Z2π Z2π
1 1
b1 = x sin x sin xdx = x sin2 xdx
π π
0 0
Z2π
1 1
= x (1 − cos 2x) dx
π 2
0
Z2π
1
= (x − x cos 2x) dx
2π
0
2π
1 x2
    
sin 2x − cos 2x
= − x −1
2π 2 2 4 0
 2 2π
1 x x sin 2x cos 2x
= − −
2π 2 2 4
 2   0 
1 4π 1 1
= −0− − 0−0−
2π 2 4 4
1
2π 2


=
2π
b1 = π

From (1),

∞
a0 X
f (x) = + (an cos nx + bn sin nx)
2 n=1
∞ ∞
a0 X X
= + an cos nx + bn sin nx
2 n=1 n=1
∞ ∞
a0 X X
= + a1 cos x + an cos nx + b1 sin x + bn sin nx
2 n=2 n=2
∞  
1 1 X 2
= (−2) − cos x + 2−1
cos nx + π sin x + 0
2 2 n=2
n
∞
i.e., f (x) = −1 − 12 cos x + 2 cos nx
P

n2 −1 + π sin x
n=2

Example 
2.10. * Find the Fourier series for f (x) = x cos x in (0, 2π). 
2n −1
a0 = 0, an = 0 (n 6= 1) , a1 = π, bn = (n 6
= 1) , b 1 =
1 − n2 2
104 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

Example 2.11. Obtain Fourier series for f (x) = eax in (0, 2π).
Solution : Given f (x) = eax in (0, 2π).
The Fourier series of f (x) is given by
∞
a0 X
f (x) = + (an cos nx + bn sin nx) (1)
2 n=1
where
Z2π Z2π Z2π
1 1 1
a0 = f (x) dx, an = f (x) cos nxdx, bn = f (x) sin nxdx
π π π
0 0 0
Z2π  2π
1 1 eax 1 1  a2π
ax
= [eax ]2π 0

Now, a0 = e dx = 0 = e − e
π π a 0 aπ aπ
0
1 2aπ

∴ a0 = e −1
aπ
Z2π  ax 2π
1 1 e
an = eax cos nxdx = (a cos nx + n sin nx)
π π a2 + n2 0
0 2aπ 
1 e 1
= (a + 0) − (a + 0)
π a2 + n2 a2 + n2
1 ae2aπ
 
a a  2aπ 
= − = e − 1
π a2 + n2 a2 + n2 π (a2 + n2 )


a e2aπ − 1
∴ an =
π (a2 + n2 )
Z2π  ax 2π
1 1 e
bn = eax sin nxdx = (a sin nx − cos nx)
π π a2 + n2 0
0 2aπ 
1 e 1
= (0 − n) − (0 − n)
π a2 + n2 a2 + n2
1 −ne2aπ
 
n −n  2aπ 
= + = e − 1
π a2 + n2 a2 + n2 π (a2 + n2 )


−n e2aπ − 1
∴ bn =
π (a2 + n2 )
Sub. the value of a0 , an , bn in (1)
∞
"

#
 2aπ 2aπ 2aπ
a e −1 n e −1
 X
1 e −1
f (x) = + 2 + n2 )
cos nx − 2 + n2 )
sin nx
2 aπ n=1
π (a π (a
∞
e2aπ − 1 X e2aπ − 1
 
= + 2 + n2 )
[a cos nx − n sin nx]
2aπ n=1
π (a
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 105

∞ 
" #
2aπ 2aπ

e −1 e −1 X 1
= + 2 2
(a cos nx − n sin nx)
2aπ π n=1
a + n
∞
" #
e2aπ − 1 1 X 1
= + (a cos nx − n sin nx)
π 2a n=1 a2 + n2
Example 2.12. * Find the Fourier series for f (x) = e−x in (0, 2π) and
∞
X (−1)n
deduce 2
, further derive a series for cosec hπ.
n=2
1 + n
1 − e−2π 1 − e−2π n 1 − e−2π
 
a0 = , an = , bn = &x = π
π π (1 + n2 ) π 1 + n2
Note : General Fourier series is used in full range intervals as 2π or 2`
length. i.e., intervals of the form (0, 2π), (0, 2`), (−π, π), (−`, `).
In intervals (−π, π) & (−`, `), use even function or odd function or
neither even nor odd function(or none) ideas.

2.3 Odd and even functions

(1) If (
f (x) ⇒ Gn. f (x) is an even fn.[symmetric about y-axis]
f (−x) =
−f (x) ⇒ Gn. f (x) is an odd fn.[symmetric about origin]
( )
f (x)
(2) If f (−x) 6= ⇒ Gn. f (x) is neither even nor odd fn.
−f (x)

Note: (even function) × (even function) = (even function)

(odd function) × (odd function) = (even function)
(even function) × (odd function) = (odd function)
Examples :
Even fns: √ 2
±a, x2 , cos x, |x| , |cos x| , |sin x| , x sin x, sin2 x, 1−cos x, e±x
Odd fns:
±x, x3 , x3 − x, x cos x, x2 sin x, · · ·
Neither Even nor odd fns:
e±ax , ±x2 ± x, · · ·
 a
Z
Za 

 f (x)dx, if f (x) is even
Note : f (x)dx =
 0


−a 0, if f (x) is odd
106 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)


f1 (x), in (−π, 0)
If f (x) =
f2 (x), in (0, π)
such that
(a) f1 (−x) = f2 (x), then given f (x) is said to be an even function in
(−π, π).
(b) f1 (−x) = −f2 (x), then given f (x) is said to be an odd function
in (−π, π).

2.3.1 Fourier series formula for the intervals (−π, π), (−`, `)

Interval (−`, `) (−π, π)

∞ ∞
a0 X nπx a0 X
If f (x) is even, f (x) = + an cos f (x) = + an cos nx
⇒ bn = 0 2 n=1
` 2 n=1
where Z where Z π
1 ` 1
a0 = f (x)dx (or) a0 = f (x)dx (or)
` −` π −π
2 π
Z
2 `
Z
= f (x)dx = f (x)dx
` 0 π 0
1 π
Z
1 `
Z
nπx an = f (x) cosnxdx (or)
an = f (x) cos dx (or) π −π
` −` `
2 π
Z
2 `
Z
nπx = f (x) cosnxdx
= f (x) cos dx π 0
` 0 `
∞ ∞
X nπx X
If f (x) is odd, f (x) = bn sin f (x) = bn sin nx
⇒ n=1
` n=1
a0 = an = 0 where Z where Z π
1 ` nπx 1
bn = f (x) sin dx (or) bn = f (x) sin nxdx (or)
` −` ` π −π
2 π
Z
2 `
Z
nπx = f (x) sin nxdx
= f (x) sin dx π 0
` 0 `
∞ ∞
a0 X nπx a0 X
f (x) = + an cos f (x) = + an cos nx
2 n=1
` 2 n=1
If f (x) is none ∞ ∞
(neither odd nor
X nπx X
+ bn sin + bn sin nx
even) n=1
` n=1
where Z where Z π
1 ` 1
a0 = f (x)dx a0 = f (x)dx
` −` π −π
1 π
Z
1 `
Z
nπx an = f (x) cos nxdx
an = f (x) cos dx π −π
` −` `
1 π
Z
1 `
Z
nπx bn = f (x) sin nxdx
bn = f (x) sin dx π −π
` −` `
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 107

2.3.2 Root Mean Square Value

Root mean square value (RMS value) of f (x) in (a, b) is

s
Z b
1
y= [f (x)]2 dx
(b − a) a

Eg: Find R.M.S. for f (x) = x in (0, π) is

s Z π r
1 π2 π
y= [f (x)]2 dx = =√
(π − 0) 0 3 3

2.4 Parseval’s Identity

If the power of n in Fourier series expansion < the power of n in

deduction part, then use appropriate Parseval’s Identity.

Interval Simplified Parseval’s Identity for deduction

` ∞
a20 X 2
Z
1 2
an + b2n


(−`, `) [f (x)] dx = +
` −` 2 n=1
Z π 2 ∞
1 2 a0 X 2
an + b2n


(−π, π) [f (x)] dx = +
π −π 2 n=1
Z 2` 2 ∞
1 2 a0 X
a2n + b2n


(0, 2`) [f (x)] dx = +
` 0 2 n=1
Z 2π 2 ∞
1 2 a0 X 2
an + b2n


(0, 2π) [f (x)] dx = +
π 0 2 n=1

2.4.1 Examples under (−π, π)

Example 2.13. Find the Fourier series for the function f (x) = x + x2 in
2
(−π, π) and deduce that 112 + 212 + 312 + · · · = π6 ·

Solution: Given f (x) = x + x2 in (−π, π).

Take f1 (x) = x. Clearly f1 (x) = x is an odd function in (−π, π).
108 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

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

∞
X
f (x) = bn sin nx (1)
n=1
Zπ
1
where bn = f (x) sin nxdx
π
−π
Zπ
2
i.e., bn = f (x) sin nxdx [∵ f (x) is odd function]
π
0

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

∞ n
P (−1)
Fourier series of f1 (x) = x is given by f1 (x) = −2 n sin nx
n=1

Take f2 (x) = x2 . Clearly f2 (x) = x2 is an even function in (−π, π).

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

∞
a0 X
f (x) = + an cos nx (2)
2 n=1
Zπ Zπ
1 1
where a0 = f (x) dx, an = f (x) cos nxdx
π π
−π −π
Zπ Zπ
2 2
i.e., a0 = f (x) dx, an = f (x) cos nxdx [∵ f (x) is even function]
π π
0 0
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 109

Zπ  π
2 x3 2 π3
 
2 2
a0 = x dx = = −0
π π 3 0 π 3
0
2
2π
a0 = ·
3
Zπ
2
an = x2 cos nxdx
π
0      π
2 2 sin nx − cos nx − sin nx
= x − 2x +2
π n n2 n3 0
 2 π
2 x sin nx 2x cos nx 2 sin nx
= + −
π n n2 n3 0
2π (−1)n
 
2
= 0+ − 0 − (0 + 0 − 0)
π n2
2 2π (−1)n
 
=
π n2
4 (−1)n
an =
n2

Fourier series of f2 (x) = x2 is given by

π2 P∞ (−1)n
f2 (x) = +4 2
cos nx
3 n=1 n

Since f (x) = x + x2
The Fourier series of f (x) is

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

Deduction : Put x = π. Here x = π is a point of discontinuity which

is one end of the given interval (−π, π).
f (−π) + f (π)
Sum of the Fourier series of f (x) is
2
110 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

∞
f (−π) + f (π) π 2 X (−1)n
∴ = −0+4 2
(−1)n
2 3 n=1
n
∞
−π + π 2 + π + π 2 π2 X (−1)2n
= +4
2 3 n=1
n2
∞
2 π2 X 1
π = +4
3 n=1
n2
∞
2 π2 X 1
π − =4
3 n=1
n2
∞
2π 2 X 1
=4
3 n=1
n2
∞
π2 X 1
=
6 n=1
n2
1 1 1 π2
+ + + ··· = ·
12 22 32 6
Example 2.14. Find the Fourier series for the function f (x) = x2 in
[−π, π]with period 2π and deduce
1 1 1 π2 1 1 1 π2
(i) 2 + 2 + 2 + ... = (ii) 2 − 2 + 2 − ... =
1 2 3 6 1 2 3 12
1 1 1 π2 1 1 1 π4
(iii) 2 + 2 + 2 + ... = (iv) 4 + 4 + 4 + ... =
1 3 5 8  1 2 3 90
4 (−1)n

2 2
a0 = π , a n = 2
, bn = 0(∵ even)
 3 n 
(i)x = π(or − π) (ii)x = 0 (iii) add i and ii
(iv) Use Parseval0 s identity

Solution: Given f (x) = x2 in [−π, π].

We know that, the Fourier series of f (x) is given by (Refer above example),
∞
π2 X (−1)n
f (x) = +4 2
cos nx (1)
3 n=1
n

Deduction:
(i) Put x = π. [Here x = π is a point of discontinuity which is one end of
the given interval (−π, π)]
f (−π) + f (π)
∴ Sum of the Fourier series of f (x) is
2
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 111

∞
f (−π) + f (π) π 2 X (−1)n
i.e., = +4 2
(−1)n
2 3 n=1
n
∞
π2 + π2 π2 X (−1)2n
= +4
2 3 n=1
n2
∞
2π 2 π2 X 1
= +4
2 3 n=1
n2
∞
2 π2 X 1
π − =4
3 n=1
n2
∞
2π 2 X 1
=4
3 n=1
n2
∞
π2 X 1
=
6 n=1
n2
1 1 1 π2
+ + + ··· = (2)
12 22 32 6
(ii) Put x = 0
∞
π2 X (−1)n
0= +4
3 n=1
n2
−π 2
 
−1 1 1
= 4 2 + 2 − 2 + ···
3 1 2 3
2
 
−π 1 1 1
= −4 2 − 2 + 2 − · · ·
3 1 2 3
2
π 1 1 1
= 2 − 2 + 2 − ···
12 1 2 3
2
1 1 1 π
− + − · · · = (3)
12 22 32 12
(iii) (1) + (2) ⇒

2 2 π2 π2
2
+ 0 + 2
+ 0 + ··· = +
1 3 6 12
2
 
1 1 1 3π
2 2 + 2 + 2 + ··· =
1 3 5 12
1 1 1 π2
+ + + ··· = ·
12 32 52 8
112 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

Example 2.15. * Find the

 Fourier series for f (x) = x in(−π, π)with 
−2 n
period 2π. a0 = 0(∵ odd), an = 0(∵ odd), bn = (−1)
n

2
 series for f (x) = x − x in(−π, π). 
Example 2.16. * Find the Fourier
2 4 2
a0 = π 2 , an = 2 (−1)n , bn = (−1)n
3 n n

Example  2.17. Find the Fourier series for

x − 1, −π < x < 0 1 1 π
f (x) = and deduce 1 − + − · · · = .
x + 1, 0 < x < π 3 5 4


x − 1, −π < x < 0
Solution : Given f (x) =
x + 1, 0 < x < π

−x − 1, −π < −x < 0
f (−x) =
−x + 1, 0 < −x < π

−x − 1, 0 < x < π
=
−x + 1, −π < x < 0

−x + 1, −π < x < 0
=
−x − 1, 0<x<π

x − 1, −π < x < 0
=−
x + 1, 0<x<π
f (−x) = − f (x)
∴ f (x) is an odd function in −π < x < π.
∴ The Fourier series for the odd function f (x) is given by
X∞
f (x) = bn sin nx (1)
n=1
2 π
Z
where bn = f (x) sin nxdx
π 0
2 π
Z
= (x + 1) sin nxdx
π 0
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 113

    π
2 − cos nx − sin nx
= (x + 1) −1
π n n2 0
 π
2 cos nx sin nx
= − (x + 1) +
π n n2 0
(−1)n
   
2 −1
= − (π + 1) +0 − +0
π n n
(−1)n
 
2 1
= − (π + 1)
π n n
2
∴ bn = [1 − (π + 1) (−1)n ]
nπ
From (1), the Fourier series of f (x) is

∞
X 2
f (x) = [1 − (π + 1) (−1)n ] sin nx
n=1
nπ
∞
2X sin nx
= [1 − (π + 1) (−1)n ]
π n=1 n

Example 2.18. * Find the Fourier series for

∞
π2

π + x, −π < x < 0 X 1
f (x) = and deduce 2 = .
π − x, 0 < x < π (2n − 1) 8
 n=1 
4
a0 = π, an = (n = odd), bn = 0(∵ even) & x = 0
πn2

Example 2.19. Expand f (x) = | cos x| in a Fourier series for in the

interval (−π, π).

Solution : Given f (x) =|cos x|

f (−x) = |cos(−x)| = |cos x|
f (−x) =f (x)
∴ f (x) is an even function in −π < x < π.
∴ The Fourier series for the even function f (x) is given by
∞
a0 X
f (x) = + an cos nx (1)
2 n=1 Z
Z π
2 2 π
where a0 = f (x)dx, an = f (x) cos nxdx
π 0 π 0
114 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

Z π
2
Now, a0 = |cos x|dx
π 0
 π 
Z Z π
2
=  2 |cos x| dx + π |cos x| dx
π 0
 π 2 
Z Z π
2
=  2 cos xdx + π (− cos x)dx
π 0
 π 2 
Z Z π
2
=  2 cos xdx − π cos xdx
π 0
2 
 π
2
= (sin x)02 − (sin x)ππ 
π
2
2 2
= [(1 − 0) − (0 − 1)] = [1 + 1]
π π
4
∴ a0 =
Z π
2 π
an = |cos x| cos nxdx
π 0
 π 
Z Z π
2
=  2 |cos x| cos nxdx + π |cos x| cos nxdx
π 0
 π 2 
Z Z π
2
=  2 cos x cos nxdx + π (− cos x) cos nxdx
π 0
 π 2 
Z Z π
2
=  2 cos nx cos xdx − π cos nx cos xdx
π 0
 π 2
Z
2 2 1
= [cos (n + 1) x + cos (n − 1) x] dx
π 0 2

Z π
1 
− π [cos (n + 1) x + cos (n − 1) x] dx
2 
2 
1
∵ cos A cos B = cos (A + B) + cos (A − B)
2
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 115

 π
Z
1 2
= [cos (n + 1) x + cos (n − 1) x] dx
π 0

Z π 
− π [cos (n + 1) x + cos (n − 1) x] dx

2
π

 
1  sin (n + 1) x sin (n − 1) x 2
= +
π n+1 n−1 0

 π 
sin (n + 1) x sin (n − 1) x
− + π
n+1 n−1
2 
 π π 
1  sin (n + 1) 2
 sin (n − 1)
= + 2  − 0
π n+1 n−1
  π π  
sin (n + 1) sin (n − 1) 
− 0−
  2 + 2  
n+1 n−1 
 π π
1 2 sin (n + 1) 2 sin (n − 1)
=  2 + 2
π n+1 n−1
nπ π   nπ π  
 
2  sin 2 + 2 sin −
=  + 2 2 
π n+1 n−1


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

= 2 − = 2
π n+1 n−1 π n2 − 1
nπ
−4 cos
∴ an = 2 ,n 6= 1
2
π (n − 1)
116 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

2 π
 Z
2
Z π  ∵ an = |cos x| cos nxdx
Now, a1 = |cos x| cos xdx  π Z0
π  2 π
0 ∴ a1 = |cos x| cos xdx
π 0
 π 
Z Z π
2 2
= cos x cos xdx + π − cos x cos xdx
π 0
 π 2
Z Z π
2
=  2 cos2 xdx − π cos2 xdx
π 0
 π 2 
Z Z π
2 1 1
=  2 (1 + cos 2x) dx − π (1 + cos 2x) dx
π 0 2 2
 π 2 
Z Z π
1 1
=  2 (1 + cos 2x) dx − π (1 + cos 2x) dx
π 0 2
2
π 
 
 π
1 sin 2x 2 sin 2x
=  x+ − x+

π 2 2 π 
0
2
1 hh π  i h  π ii
= − 0 − 0 − (π + 0) − +0
πh 2 i 2
1 π π
= −
π 2 2
∴ a1 =0
From (1), the Fourier series of f (x) is
∞
a0 X
f (x) = + a1 cos x + an cos nx
2 n=2
nπ
  ∞ −4 cos
1 4 X
2 cos nx
= +0+ 2
2 π n=2
π (n − 1)
nπ
∞ cos
2 4 X
2 cos nx.
= − 2
π π n=1 n − 1
Example 2.20. * Find the Fourier series for
f (x) = | sin x|
 in the interval (−π, π).
−4

 4 2
, (n = even) 
a = , a = π (n − 1) , bn = 0(∵ even)
 0 π n

0, (n = odd) 
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 117

√
Example 2.21. Find the Fourier series for f (x) = 1 − cos x in
(−π, π).

√
Solution : Given f (x) = 1 − cos x
p √
f (−x) = 1 − cos(−x) = 1 − cos x
f (−x) =f (x)
√
∴ f (x) = 1 − cos x is an even function in −π < x < π.
∴ The Fourier series for the even function f (x) is given by
∞
a0 X
f (x) = + an cos nx (1)
2 n=1
Z π
2 π
Z
2
where a0 = f (x)dxan = f (x) cos nxdx
π 0 π 0
√
 r
2 x
√
Z π
2  ∵ 1 − cos x = 2 sin 2
Now, a0 = 1 − cos xdx  √
π 0 x
= 2 sin
√ Z π 2
Z π√
2 x 2 2 x
= 2 sin dx = sin dx
π 0 2 π 0 2
π
√ − cos x

√ h
2 2 2 −4 2 x iπ
=  1  = cos

π π 2 0
√ 2 0
−4 2 h π i
= [0 − 1] ∵ cos = 0, cos 0 = 1
√π 2
4 2
∴ a0 =
π
118 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

2 π√
Z
an = 1 − cos x cos nxdx
π 0
2 π√
Z
x
= 2 sin cos nxdx
π 0 2
√ Z π
2 2 x
= cos nx sin dx
π 2
√ Z0 π      
2 2 1 1 1
= sin n + x − sin n − x dx
π 0 2 2 2
√ Z π     
2 1 1
= sin n + x − sin n − x dx
π 0 2 2
    π
1 1

√ cos n + x cos n − x
2− 2 2
= + 
π  1 1 
n+ n−
2 2
    0 
1 1
 
√ − cos n + π cos n − π
2  2 2 − −1 1 
=  + + 
π  1 1   1 1 
n+ n− n+ n−
2 2 2 2
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 119

π π
 
√
 
2  cos nπ − 2 cos nπ +
2 + 1 − 1 
= −
π
 1 1 1 1
n− n+ n+ n−
2 2 2 2
π π π π

√  cos nπ cos + sin nπ sin cos nπ cos − sin nπ sin
2 
2 2 − 2 2
=
π  1 1
 n− n+
 2  2
1 1 
n− − n+ 
2 2 
+
1
n2 −


4

−1 1
 
√ −
2 2 2
h π i
= 0 − 0 + ∵ cos = 0, sin nπ = 0

π

2
1  2
n −
  4
√
2  −1 
=
π

2
1
n −
√ 4
− 2
an =  
1
π n2 −
4
Sub. the value of a0 and an in (1)
√ ! ∞ √
1 4 2 X − 2
f (x) = +   cos nx
2 π 1
n=1 π n2 −
4
√ √ ∞
2 2 2 X cos nx
= −
π π n=1 2 1
n −
4
Example 2.22. Find the Fourier series for the function f (x) = x cos x in
the interval (−π, π).

Solution : Given f (x) =x cos x

f (−x) =(−x) cos(−x) = −x cos x
f (−x) = − f (x)
∴ f (x) = x cos x is an odd function in −π < x < π.
∴ The Fourier series for the odd function f (x) is given by
120 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

∞
X
f (x) = bn sin nx (1)
n=1
2 π
Z
where bn = f (x) sin nxdx
π 0
2 π
Z
= x cos x sin nxdx
π 0
2 π
Z
= x sin nx cos xdx
π 0
2 π 1
Z
= x (sin (n + 1) x + sin (n − 1) x) dx
π 0 2
1 π
Z
= x (sin (n + 1) x + sin (n − 1) x) dx
π 0
  
1 − cos(n+1)x cos(n − 1)x
= x −
π n+1 n−1
 π
− sin(n+1)x sin(n−1)x
−1 −
(n+1)2 (n−1)2 0
  
1 cos (n + 1) x cos (n − 1) x
= −x +
π n+1 n−1
 π
sin (n + 1) x sin (n − 1) x
+ +
(n + 1)2 (n − 1)2
"" ! # # 0
n+1 n−1
1 (−1) (−1)
= −π + + 0 − [0 + 0]
π n+1 n−1
!
n+1 n−1
(−1) (−1)n (−1)n
 
(−1) (−1)
=− + =− +
n+1 n−1 n+1 (−1) (n − 1)
− (−1)n (−1)n
   
n 1 1
=− − = (−1) +
n+1 n−1 n+1 n−1
 
n − 1 + n + 1
=(−1)n
n2 − 1
2n (−1)n
∴ bn = 2 , n 6= 1
n −Z1
2 π 2 π
 Z 
Now, b1 = x cos x sin xdx ∵ bn = x cos x sin xdx
π 0 π 0
1 π
Z
= x2 sin x cos xdx
π 0
1 π
Z
= x sin 2xdx
π 0
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 121

    π
1 − cos 2x − sin 2x
= x −1
π 2 4
    0π
1 − cos 2x − sin 2x
= x −1
π 2 4 0
 π
1 −x cos 2x sin 2x
= +
π 2 4 0
1 h π  i
= − + 0 − (0 + 0)
π 2
1
∴ b1 =−
2
From (1), the Fourier series of f (x) is
X∞
f (x) =b1 sin x + bn sin nx
n=2
∞
1 2n (−1)n
X
=− sin x + 2−1
sin nx
2 n=2
n
∞
1 X n (−1)n
=− sin x + 2 2−1
sin nx
2 n=2
n

0, −π < x < 0
Example 2.23. Obtain Fourier series for f (x) =
sin x, 0 < x < π
1 1 1 1
and deduce that + + + ··· = .
1.3 3.5 5.7 2
Solution : 
0, −π < x < 0
Given f (x) =
sin x, 0 < x < π

0, 0 ≤ x ≤ π
f (−x) =
sin(−x), −π ≤ x ≤ 0

0, 0 ≤ x ≤ π
=
− sin x, −π ≤ x ≤ 0

− sin x, −π ≤ x ≤ 0
=
0, 0 ≤ x ≤ π

f (x)
f (−x) 6=
−f (x)
∴ f (x) is neither even function nor odd function.
The Fourier series for[ neither odd nor even function(none function)] f (x)
is given by
∞
a0 X
f (x) = + (an cos nx + bn sin nx) (1)
2 n=1
122 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

where
π
1 π 1 π
Z Z Z
1
a0 = f (x)dx, an = f (x) cos nxdx, bn = f (x) sin nxdx
π −π π −π π −π
Z 0 Z π
1 π
 Z
1
Now, a0 = 0dx+ sin xdx = sin xdx
π −π 0 π 0
1 1 1
= [− cos x]π0 = − [cos x]π0 = − [−1 − 1]
π π π
2
∴ a0 =
Z 0π Z π 
1
an = 0 cos nxdx + sin x cos nxdx
π −π 0
1 π
Z
= cos nx sin xdx
π 0
1 π1
Z
= [sin (n + 1) x − sin (n − 1) x] dx
π 0 2
Z π
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 #
n+1 n−1
1 − (−1) − (−1) −1 1
= + − −
2π n+1 n−1 n+1 n−1
− (−1) (−1)n (−1)n
   
1 1 1
= + + −
2π n+1 (−1) (n − 1) n+1 n−1
− (−1) (−1)n (−1)n
   
1 1 1
= + + −
2π n+1 (−1) (n − 1) n+1 n−1
(−1)n (−1)n
   
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 1 1
= − ((−1)n + 1)
2π n + 1 n − 1
 
1 n − 1 − (n + 1)
= 2
((−1)n + 1)
2π n −1
1 −2 ((−1)n + 1)
 
=
2π n2 − 1
1 (−1)n + 1
 
∴ an =− , n 6= 1
π n2 − 1
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 123

1 π
Z Z 0 Z π 
1
a1 = f (x) cos xdx = 0 cos xdx + sin x cos xdx
π −π π −π 0
Z π Z π
1 1
= 2 sin x cos xdx = sin 2xdx
2π 0 2π 0
 π
1 − cos 2x −1 −1
= = [cos 2x]π0 = [1 − 1]
2π 2 0 4π 4π
∴ a1 =0
Z 0 Z π 
1
bn = 0 sin nxdx + sin x sin nxdx
π −π 0
1 π
Z
= sin nx sin xdx
π 0
1 π1
Z
= [cos (n − 1) x − cos (n + 1) x] dx
π 0 2
Z π
1
= [cos (n − 1) x − cos (n + 1) x] dx
2π 0
 π
1 sin (n − 1) x sin (n + 1) x
= − , n 6= 1
2π n−1 n+1 0
1
= [(0 − 0) − (0 − 0)] , n 6= 1
2π
∴ bn =0, n 6= 1
1 π
Z Z 0 Z π 
1
b1 = f (x) sin xdx = 0 sin xdx + sin x sin xdx
π −π π π 0
1 π 2
Z
= sin xdx
π 0
1 π1
Z Z π
1
= (1 − cos 2x) dx = (1 − cos 2x) dx
π 0 2 π 2π 0
1 sin 2x 1
= x− = [(π − 0) − (0 − 0)]
2π 2 0 2π
1
∴ b1 =
2
From (1),
∞ ∞
a0 X X
f (x) = + an cos nx+ bn sin nx
2 n=1 n=1
∞ ∞
a0 X X
= + a1 cos x + an cos nx+b1 sin x + bn sin nx
2 n=2 n=2
  ∞
X −1 (−1)n + 1
 
1 2 1
= +0+ 2−1
cos nx + sin x + 0
2 π n=2
n n 2
124 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

∞ 
1 1 X (−1)n + 1

sin x
∴ f (x) = − cos nx + (2)
π π n=2 n2 − 1 2

This is required Fourier series of the given f (x).

For deduction part
Let x = 0 is point of discontinuity at middle of the interval.
∴ f (x) value is calculated by as follows:
f (0−) + f (0+)
f (x = 0) =
2
lim f (0 − h) + lim f (0 + h)
h→0 h→0
=
2
lim f (−h) + lim f (+h)
h→0 h→0
=
2
lim 0 + lim sin h 0 + 0
h→0 h→0
= =
2 2
=0
∞ 
1 1 X (−1)n + 1

∴ (2) ⇒ 0 = − .1 + 0
π π n=2 n2 − 1
∞ 
−1 −1 X (−1)n + 1

=
π π n=2 n2 − 1
∞ 
(−1)n + 1

X 2 2 2
1= 2−1
= + 0 + + 0 + + ···
n=2
n 3 15 35
1 1 1 1
= + + + ···
2 3 15 35
1 1 1 1
= + + + ···
2 1.3 3.5 5.7
1 1 1 1
+ + +· · · =
1.3 3.5 5.7 2

Example 2.24. * Find the Fourier series for f (x) = e−x in (−π, π) and
∞
X (−1)n π
hence deduce 2 2 + 1)
= .
n=2
(n sinh π
(−1)n 2n (−1)n sinh π
 
2 sinh π
a0 = , an = (2 sinh π), bn = &x = 0
π π (1 + n2 ) π (1 + n2 )
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 125

2.5 Half range Fourier series in (0, `)

Half range cosine series Half range sine series

(or) cosine series (or) sine series

Don’t check for even or odd function, just subtitute the

following formulae

bn = 0 a0 = an = 0

∞ ∞
a0 X nπx X nπx
f (x) = + an cos f (x) = an sin
2 n=1
` n=1
`
where Z where Z
2 ` 2 ` nπx
a0 = f (x)dx bn = f (x) sin dx
` 0 ` 0 `
2 `
Z
nπx
an = f (x) cos dx
` 0 `
Note :
Half range Fourier series in (0, π), substitute ` = π in above formulae.

2.6 Parseval’s Identity

(If the power of n in Fourier series expansion < the power of n in deduction
part, then use appropriate Parseval’s Identity)

` ∞
a20 X 2
Z
2 2
an + b2n


(0, `) [f (x)] dx = +
`
0 2 n=1
Z π 2 ∞
2 2 a0 X 2
an + b2n


(0, π) [f (x)] dx = +
π 0 2 n=1

Example 2.25. Find Half range Fourier sine series for f (x) = x in (0, π)
1 1 1 π2
and deduce 2 + 2 + 2 + ... = .
1 2 3 6
−2 (−1)n
  
∵ sine ∵ sine
& Par0 s id


a0 = 0 , an = 0 , bn =
series series n
126 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

Example 2.26. * Find Half range Fourier cosine series for f (x) = x in
1 1 1 π4
(0, π) and deduce 4 + 4 + 4 + ... = .
1( 3 5 96
( −4   )
, (n = odd) ∵ cos
& Par0 s id


a0 = π, an = πn2 , bn = 0
0, (n = even) series

Example 2.27. Expand x(π − x) in half range sine series in the interval
(0, π).

Solution: Given f (x) = x(π − x) in (0, π)

= πx − x2

The sine series of f (x) is given by

∞
X
f (x) = bn sin nx → (1)
n=1
Zπ
2
where bn = f (x) sin nxdx
π
0
Zπ
2
πx − x2 sin nxdx


=
π
0    
2
− cos nx
2 − sin nx
= πx − x − (π − 2x)
π n n2
 cos nx iπ
+ (−2)
 n3 0
2 2 cos nx

sin nx cos nx iπ
= − πx − x + (π − 2x) −2 3
π n n2 n 0
 n   
2 2 (−1) 2
= 0+0− − 0 + 0 −
π n3 n3
2 (−1)n
 
2 2
= −
π n3 n3
4
bn = 3
[1 − (−1)n ]
πn
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 127

Sub. the value of bn in (1)

∞
X 4
f (x) = 3
(1 − (−1)n ) sin nx
n=1
πn
∞ 
4 X 1 − (−1)n

= sin nx
π n=1 n3
 
4 2 2
= sin x + 0 + 3 sin 3x + 0 + · · ·
π 13 3
 
8 sin x sin 3x sin 5x
= + + + ···
π 13 33 53

2.7 Change of Interval {[0, 2`] , [−`, `] , [0, `]}

nπx
*Note : Just change π as ` and nx as in previous π format formulas.
`

2.7.1 Examples under (0, 2`)

Example 2.28. Find the Fourier series for f (x) = (` − x)2 in (0, 2`) and
∞
π2 2`2 4`2
 
X 1
deduce 2
= . a0 = , an = 2 2 , bn = 0&x = 0
n=1
n 6 3 nπ

x, 0 ≤ x ≤ 3
Example 2.29. Find the Fourier series for f (x) =
 6 − x, 3 ≤ x ≤ 6
−12
a0 = 3, an = 2 2 (n = odd), bn = 0
nπ
Example 2.30. * Find the Fourier series for
x " −4
, 0<x<`
( # )
, (n = odd)

f (x) = 2`−x` . a0 = 1, an = n2 π 2 , bn = 0
 , ` < x < 2` 0, (n = even)
`

2.7.2 Examples under (−`, `)

Example 2.31.Find the Fourier series for f (x) = e−x in (−1, 1).
2 (−1)n sinh 1 2nπ (−1)n sinh 1

a0 = 2 sinh 1, an = , bn =
1 + n2 π 2 1 + n2 π 2

 0, −2 < x < −1
Example 2.32. * Find the Fourier series for f (x) = k, −1 < x < 1 .
0, 1 < x < 2

128 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

  nπ  

 2k sin 

a0 = k, an = 2 , bn = 0 (∵ even function)

 nπ 


2.7.3 Examples under (0, `)

Example  2.33.Find the Fourier sine series for

`
x, 0,


 2 .

f (x) =
`
 `−x, ,`


 2  nπ  

 
∵ cosine
 
∵ cosine
 4` sin 

a0 = 0 , an = 0 , bn = 2

 series series n2 π 2 


Example  2.34. Find the Fourier cosine series for

1, 0 ≤ x ≤ a/2
f (x) = .
−1, a/2 ≤x ≤ a
 nπ  

 4 sin 

a0 = 0, an = 2 , bn = 0 (∵ cosine series)

 nπ 


Find the sine series for f (x) = x −

Example 2.35. * ( x2 in 0 < x < 1. )
  " 8
∵ cosine , n = odd
a0 = an = 0 , bn = n π 3
3
series 0, n = even

Half range cosine series for f (x) = kx(` − x)

Example 2.36. * Find the 
 k`2 0, when n is odd 
in (0, `). a0 = , an =  −4k` 2
 3 , when n is even 
n2 π 2
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 129

2.8 Complex form of Fourier Series

Interval Fourier Series Complex Fourier coefficient

∞ Z 2π
X 1
(0, 2π) f (x) = Cn einx
Cn = f (x) e−inx dx
n=−∞
2π 0
∞ Z π
X 1
(−π, π) f (x) = Cn einx
Cn = f (x) e−inx dx
n=−∞
2π −π
∞ Z 2`
X 1
(0, 2`) f (x) = Cn einπx/` Cn = f (x) e−inπx/` dx
n=−∞
2` 0
∞
1 `
X Z
(−`, `) f (x) = Cn einπx/` Cn = f (x) e−inπx/` dx
n=−∞
2` −`
∞
1 π
X Z
(0, π) f (x) = Cn einx Cn = f (x) e−inx dx
n=−∞
π 0
∞
1 `
X Z
(0, `) f (x) = Cn einπx/` Cn = f (x) e−inπx/` dx
n=−∞
` 0

Example 2.37. Derive complex form for f (x)(= eax in (0, 2π).

)
(a + in) e2aπ − 1
cn =
2π (a2 + n2 )
Example 2.38. Find the complex form of the seriesfor the function
−` (−1)n

f (x) = x in (−`, `). cn =
inπ
130 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

2.9 Harmonic Analysis

So far, we found Fourier series for a function f (x) given by the formula
in one (or) more interval. Now, there is a process of finding a Fourier series
for the function f (x) given by a Table (or) by numerical values (or) by the
Graph is known as Harmonic Analysis.
We know that Fourier series for f (x) in (0, 2π) is
∞
a0 X
f (x) = + (an cos nx + bn sin nx)
2 n=1
(or)
∞ ∞
a0 X X
f (x) = + an cos nx + bn sin nx (1)
2 n=1 n=1

1 2π
Z
where a0 = f (x) dx
π 0
Z 2π
2
= f (x) dx
2π 0
 Z 2π 
1
=2 f (x) dx
(2π − 0) 0
 Z b 
1
∵ f (x)dx = Mean value off (x) in (a, b)
b−a a P 
f (x)
∴ a0 = 2 [ Meanvalueoff (x) in (0, 2π)] = 2
n
2 hX i
= f (x)
n
1 2π
Z
Now, an = f (x)cosnx dx
π 0
Z 2π
2
= f (x) cos nxdx
2π 0
 Z 2π 
1
=2 f (x)cosnx dx
(2π − 0) 0
 Z b 
1
∵ f (x) cos nxdx = Mean value off (x) cos nx in (a, b)
b−a a
2 hX i
∴ an = 2 [ Mean value off (x) cos nx in (0, 2π)] = f (x) cos nx
n hX
2 i
lly, bn = 2 [ Mean value off (x) sin nx in (0, 2π)] = f (x) sin nx
n
Note: In equation (1),
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 131

a0
1. The term is called constant term / direct part / direct current part
2
of Fourier series.
2. In (0, 2π), (i) (a1 cos x + b1 sin x) is called fundamental (or) first
harmonic. (ii) (a2 cos 2x + b2 sin 2x) is called octave (or) second
harmonic of F.S.
(i) Fourier series upto first harmonic is
a0
f (x) = + (a1 cos x + b1 sin x)
2
(ii) Fourier series upto second harmonic is
a0
f (x) = + (a1 cos x + b1 sin x) + (a2 cos 2x + b2 sin 2x)
2
4.(i) Fourier series upto 2 coefficients in Fourier cosine series is
a0
f (x) = + (a1 cos x + a2 cos 2x)
2
(ii) Fourier series upto 2 coefficients in Fourier sine series is
f (x) = b1 sin x + b2 sin 2x
5. In (0, 2`), Fourier series upto 2nd harmonic is
a0  πx   πx 
f (x) = + a1 cos + b1 sin
2  `  ` 
2πx 2πx
+ a2 cos + b2 sin
` `
p
6. Amplitude of the nth harmonic = An = a2n + b2n

2.9.1 Types of Harmonic Table Data

1. π form (Radian form) →180◦ (Degree form)

2. θ◦ form 
(Degree form) 
2πx
3. T form Use θ◦ =
T
4. ` form → 2` = Number of data
Number of data
⇒`=
2

2.9.2 Examples under π form(Radian form)

Example 2.39. The table of values of the function y = f (x) is given

x 0 π/3 2π/3 π 4π/3 5π/3 2π
below: . Find the Fourier
f (x) 1.0 1.4 1.9 1.7 1.5 1.2 1.0
series upto 2nd harmonic to represent y = f (x) in terms of x in (0, 2π).
132 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

Solution : Let
a0
f (x) = + a1 cos x + a2 cos 2x + b1 sin x + b2 sin 2x (1)
2
be the F.S. upto second harmonic.
Since the first and last values of y are same in the given table, leave the
first column (or) last column of the table. Hence only the first six column
values will be used.

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

0 1.0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0
π
1.4 0.5 -0.5 0.866 0.866 0.7 -0.7 1.2124 1.2124
3
2π
1.9 -0.5 -0.5 0.866 -0.866 -0.95 -0.95 1.6454 -1.6454
3
π 1.7 -1 1 0 0 -1.7 1.7 0 0
4π
1.5 -0.5 -0.5 -0.866 0.866 -0.75 -0.75 -1.299 1.299
3
5π
1.2 0.5 -0.5 -0.866 -0.866 0.6 -0.6 -1.0392 -1.0392
3
Sum 8.7 - - - - -1.1 -0.3 0.5196 -0.1732
1 hX i 1 a0 2.9
a0 =2 × y = 2 × [8.7] = 2.9 ⇒ = = 1.45
6h 6 2 2
1 X i 1
a1 =2 × y cos x = 2 × [−1.1] = −0.37
6h 6
1 X i 1
a2 =2 × y cos 2x = 2 × [−0.3] = −0.1
6h 6
1 X i 1
b1 =2 × y sin x = 2 × [0.5196] = 0.17
6h 6
1 X i 1
b2 =2 × y sin 2x = 2 × [−0.1732] = −0.06
6 6
Hence the required Fourier Series upto second harmonic for the data is
(1) ⇒ y = f (x) = 1.45 − 0.37 cos x − 0.1 cos 2x + 0.17 sin x − 0.06 sin 2x
Example 2.40. * Determine upto second harmonic of Fourier series for
x 0 π/3 2π/3 π 4π/3 5π/3 2π
the following data:
f(x) 1.98 1.3 1.05 1.3 –0.88 –0.25 1.98
{a0 = 1.5, a1 = 0.3733, b1 = 1.00453, a2 = 0.89, b2 = −0.109693}

2.9.3 Examples under θ◦ form(Degree form)

Example 2.41. Find an emprical form of the function

f(x) = a0 + a1 cos x + b1 sin x with period 2π.
xo : 0 60 120 180 240 300 360
y = f (x) 40 31 –13 20 3.7 –21 40
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 133

{a0 = 20.233, a1 = 9.883, b1 = 10.18993}

Example 2.42. Compute the first two harmonic of the Fourier series for
f(x) from the following data. Expand f(x) as series of sine.

θ:x 0 30 60 90 120 150 180

T : f (x) 0 5224 8097 7850 5499 2626 0

{b1 = 7849.712, b2 = 1499.91067}

2.9.4 Examples under T form: (θ = 2πx/T )

Example 2.43. The following table gives the vibration of periodic current
over a period. Find Fourier series upto 1st harmonic.
T(sec) 0 T/6 T/3 T/2 2T/3 5T/6 T
I(Amp) 1.98 1.3 1.05 1.3 –0.88 –0.25 1.98

{a0 = 1.5, a1 = 0.373, b1 = 1.0045}

2.9.5 Problems under ` form: (2` = Number of data)

Example 2.44. Find the first harmonic of the Fourier series for f (x) for
x 0 1 2 3 4 5
the data.
f(x) 9 18 24 28 26 20
{a0 = 41.67, a1 = −8.33, b1 = −1.16}
134 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

Exceptional Problems in (0, 2`) format

Example  2.45. Find the Fourier series for
sin x, 0 ≤ x ≤ π/4
f (x) =
cos x, π/4≤ x ≤ π/2
(−1)n
  
−8 8
a0 = √ , a n = √ − 1 , bn = 0
2π π (16n2 − 1) 2
Example 2.46. * Find the Fourier series for the function
 ∞
x, 0 < x < `/2 X 1
f (x) = and the series .
` − x, `/2 < x < ` (2n − 1)4
n=1

2.10 Assignment I[Fourier series]

1
1. Find the Fourier series of f (x) = (π − x) in the interval (0, 2π).
2
1 1 1 π
Hence deduce that 1 − + − + · · · ∞ = .
3 5 7 4
x
2. Find the Fourier series expansion of f (x) = e in the interval (0, 2`).
3. Obtain  the Fourier series for the function
1 − x, −π < x < 0
f (x) = . Hence deduce that
1 + x, 0 < x < π
1 1 1 π2
+ + + ...∞ = .
12 32 52 8
4. Find  the Fourier series for the function given by
 1 + 2x , −` ≤ x ≤ 0

f (x) = ` . Hence deduce that
2x
 1− , 0≤x≤`

`
∞
X 1 π2
2 = .
n=1 (2n − 1) 8
5. Express f (x) as a Fourier sine series where
 1 − x, 0 < x < 1

f (x) = 4 2 .
3 1
 x− , <x<1

4 2
6. Find the half range Fourier cosine series for the function
f (x) = x (π − x) in 0 < x < π. Deduce that
4
1 1 1 π
+ + + · · · ∞ = .
14 24 34 90
7. Find the complex form of the Fourier series of f (x) = eax , −π < x < π.
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 135

8. Obtain a Fourier series upto the second harmonics from the data
x: 0 π/3 2π/3 π 4π/3 5π/3 2π
f(x): 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.7 0.9 1.1 0.8
9. The following table gives the vibration of periodic current over a
period. Find the Fourier upto 2nd harmonic.
T(sec): 0 T /6 T /6 T /2 2T /3 5T /6 T
I(Amp): 1.98 1.3 1.05 1.3 -0.88 -0.25 1.98
10. Find the Fourier series as for as the second harmonic to represent the
x: 0 1 2 3 4 5
function given in the following table
f(x): 9 18 24 28 26 20