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

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
82 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

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 + 2ℓ, it can be expanded as Fourier series

of the form
a0 X  nπx 
∞
nπx
f (x) = + an cos + bn sin
2 n=1
ℓ ℓ

where a0 , an , bn are Fourier constant coefficients, provided:

(i) f (x) is periodic, single valued and finite in (c, c + 2ℓ).

(ii) f (x) is continuous (or) piecewise continuous with finite number of

discontinuities in (c, c + 2ℓ).

(iii) f (x) has at the most a finite number of maxima or minima in (c, c + 2ℓ).

2.2 General Fourier series

In (c, c + 2ℓ), Fourier series is

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

where a0 , an , bn are Fourier coefficients which can be found by Euler’s formulae.

2.2.1 Euler’s formula

In (c, c + 2ℓ), Fourier series is

a0 X  nπx 
∞
nπx
f (x) = + an cos + bn sin
2 n=1
ℓ ℓ
where
Z
1 c+2ℓ
a0 = f (x) dx
ℓ c
Z  nπx 
1 c+2ℓ
an = f (x)cos dx
ℓ c ℓ
Z  nπx 
1 c+2ℓ
bn = f (x)sin dx
ℓ c ℓ
Case(i): If c = 0, (c, c + 2ℓ) becomes (0, 2ℓ).
∴ Fourier series is
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 83

a0 X  nπx 
∞
nπx
f (x) = + an cos + bn sin
2 n=1
ℓ ℓ
where
Z
1 2ℓ
a0 = f (x) dx
ℓ 0
Z  nπx 
1 2ℓ
an = f (x)cos dx
ℓ 0 ℓ
Z  nπx 
1 2ℓ
bn = f (x)sin dx
ℓ 0 ℓ
Case(ii): If c = −ℓ, (c, c + 2ℓ) becomes (−ℓ, ℓ).
∴ Fourier series is
a0 X  nπx 
∞
nπx
f (x) = + an cos + bn sin
2 n=1
ℓ ℓ
where
Z ℓ
1
a0 = f (x) dx
ℓ −ℓ
Z ℓ  nπx 
1
an = f (x)cos dx
ℓ −ℓ ℓ
Z ℓ  nπx 
1
bn = f (x)sin dx
ℓ −ℓ ℓ
Case(iii): If c = 0 and ℓ = π, (c, c + 2ℓ) becomes (0, 2π).
∴ Fourier series is
∞
a0 X
f (x) = + (an cos nx + bn sin nx)
2 n=1
where Z
1 π
a0 = f (x) dx
π 0
Z
1 π
an = f (x)cosnx dx
π 0
Z
1 π
bn = f (x)sinnx dx
π 0
Case(iv): If c = −π and ℓ = π, (c, c + 2ℓ) becomes (−π, π).
∴ Fourier series is
∞
a0 X
f (x) = + (an cos nx + bn sin nx)
2 n=1
where Z
1 π
a0 = f (x) dx
π −π
Z
1 π
an = f (x)cosnx dx
π −π
Z
1 π
bn = f (x)sinnx dx
π −π
84 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

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, 2ℓ), (−ℓ, ℓ), (0, ℓ)

(* denotes class work problems)

✎ ☞
Worked Examples ✌
✍

2.2.2 Examples under (0, 2π)

2
Example
 2.1. Find the Fourier series of f (x) = x in (0, 2π) and with period 2π.
8 4 −4π
a0 = π 2 , an = 2 , b n =
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
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    
1 2 1 x3 1 8π 3 8π 2
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
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 85

Z2π
1
bn = x2 sin nxdx
π
0

     cos nx 2π
1 2 − cos nx − sin nx
= x − 2x +2
π n n2 n3 0
 2π
1 cos nx sin nx cos nx
= −x2 + 2x 2 + 2
π n n n3 0
   
1 −4π 2 2 2
= +0+ 3 − 0+0+ 3
π n n n
 2

1 −4π
=
π n
−4π
∴ bn =
n

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

 X
∞  
1 8π 2 4 4π
f (x) = + cos nx − sin nx
2 3 n=1
n2 n
X∞  
4π 2 cos nx π sin nx
= +4 2
−
3 n=1
n n

Example 2.2. * Find the Fourierseries of f (x) = x in (0, 2π) with f (x + 2π) = f (x).

−2
Ans : a0 = 2π, an = 0, bn =
n

Example 2.3. Find the Fourier

  series of f (x) = (π − x)2 in (0, 2π) of periodicity 2π.
2 4
a0 = π 2 , an = 2 , b n = 0
3 n

Example 2.4. * Obtain the Fourier series expansion for the function f (x) = x(2π − x)
1 1 1 π2
in 0 ≤ x ≤ 2π, with period 2π. Show that 12
+ 22
+ 32
+ ·· · = 6 
4 4
a0 = π 2 , an = − 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
86 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

Z2π
1

Now, a0 = 2πx − x2 dx
π
0
 2π  2π
1 x2 x3 1 2 x3
= 2π − = πx −
π 2 3 0 π 3 0
 2
 
1 8π
= 4π 3 − −0
π 3
 
1 4π 3
=
π 3
4π 2
a0 =
3

Z2π
1

an = 2πx − x2 cos nxdx
π
0 
  
1 2


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

2 sin nx cos nx 2 sin nx
= 2πx − x + (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

bn = 2πx − x2 sin nxdx
π
0   
1

− cos nx
2 − sin nx
= 2πx − x − (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
π n n2 n3 0
   
1 2 2
= 0+0− 3 − 0+0− 3
π n n
bn = 0
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 87

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

  ∞ 
X 
1 4π 2 −4
f (x) = + cos nx + 0
2 3 n=1
n2
2 ∞
X
2π cos nx
f (x) = −4
3 n=1
n2

Deduction :

Since f (x) = x (2π − x)

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

Put x = 0,

X∞
2π 2 1
0= −4
3 n=1
n2
X∞
1 2π 2
4 =
n=1
n2 3
X∞
1 2π 2
i.e., =
n=1
n2 12
1 1 1 π2
i.e., + + + · · · = .
12 22 32 6

(
x, (0, π)
Example 2.5. Find the Fourier series of periodicity 2π for 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
88 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

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

2 π2
= − 0 + 4π − 2π − 2π −
π 2 2
 2 2
  2 2 2

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

 
Zπ Z2π
1
an = x cos nxdx + (2π − x) cos nxdx
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  2π #
1 x sin nx cos nx sin nx cos nx
= + 2
+ (2π − x) −
π n n 0 n n2 π
       
1 (−1)n 1 1 (−1)n
= 0+ − 0+ 2 + 0− 2 − 0−
π n2 n n n
 n n
1 (−1) 1 1 (−1)
= 2
− 2− 2+
π n n n n2
 
1 2 (−1)n 2
= −
π n2 n2
2
an = [(−1)n − 1]
n2 π
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 89

 
Zπ 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
     
1 −π (−1)n −π (−1)n
= + 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 nπ
∞  
π 2 X (−1)n − 1
f (x) = + cos nx
2 π n=1 n2
90 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

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 is f (x = 0) + f (x = 2π)
= f (x = π)
π 2
f (x = π) = 0 2π f (π−) + f (π+)
2 + π =
(2) = 2 2
= 2
2 2 where
f (x) = x3 − x (2)f (x) = cos x
π f (π−) = lim f (π − h)
in (0, 2π) at x = 2π is h→0
in (0, 2π) at x = is
 2
π f (x = 2π) =0
f x= =
 π 3 2 π  cos 0 + cos 2π &
=
− 2
2 2 1+1 f (π+) = lim f (π + h)
h→0
= =1
2 =π
0+π
∴ f (x = π) =
2
π
=
2
1
Example 2.6. Find the Fourier series for the function f (x) = (π − x) in(0, 2π) with
2
1 1 π
period 2π and deduce 1 − + − · · · = .
3 5 4  
1 π
a0 = 0, an = 0, bn = &x =
n 2
(
x, (0, π)
Example 2.7. Find the Fourier series for the function f (x) = and
2π − x, (π, 2π)
1 1 1 π2
deduce 2 + 2 + 2 + · · · = .
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) and deduce
X∞  
1 π2 4π 2 −4
2
= . a0 = , an = 2 , bn = 0&x = 0
n=1
n 6 3 n
Example 2.9. Find the Fourier series for f (x) = x sin x in (0, 2π) and deduce
1 1 1 π−2
− + − ··· = .
(1)(3) (3)(4) (5)(7) 4
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 91

 
−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]2π0
π
1
= [(−2π + 0) − (0 + 0)]
π
a0 = −2
92 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

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  
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 0
 2π   
1 −x cos 2x sin 2x 1 −2π
= + = + 0 − (0 + 0)
2π 2 4 0 2π 2
−1
a1 =
2
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 93

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

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),
94 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

∞
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
X∞ X∞
a0
= + a1 cos x + an cos nx + b1 sin x + bn sin nx
2 n=2 n=2
X∞  
1 1 2
= (−2) − cos x + 2−1
cos nx + π sin x + 0
2 2 n=2
n

P
∞

i.e., f (x) = −1 − 12 cos x + 2 cos nx
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) , b1 =
1 − n2 2

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 
Now, a0 = ax
e dx = = [eax ]2π
0 = e − e0
π π a 0 aπ aπ
0
1 2aπ

∴ a0 = e −1
aπ
Z2π  ax 2π
1 ax 1 e
an = e cos nxdx = (a cos nx + n sin nx)
π π a2 + n2 0
0 2aπ 
1 e 1
= 2 2
(a + 0) − 2 (a + 0)
π a +n a + n2
 
1 ae2aπ a a  2aπ 
= − = e − 1
π a2 + n2 a2 + n2 π (a2 + n2 )
a (e2aπ − 1)
∴ an =
π (a2 + n2 )
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 95

Z2π  ax 2π
1 ax 1 e
bn = e 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 + n 2
 
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)
  ∞ 
X 
1 e2aπ − 1 a (e2aπ − 1) n (e2aπ − 1)
f (x) = + cos nx − sin nx
2 aπ n=1
π (a2 + n2 ) π (a2 + n2 )
∞  
e2aπ − 1 X e2aπ − 1
= + [a cos nx − n sin nx]
2aπ π (a2 + n2 )
n=1 "∞   #
e2aπ − 1 e2aπ − 1 X 1
= + (a cos nx − n sin nx)
2aπ π n=1
a2 + n2
" ∞
#
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 deduce
X∞
(−1)n
, further derive a series for cosec hπ.
1 + n2
n=2  
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 2ℓ length. i.e.,
intervals of the form (0, 2π), (0, 2ℓ), (−π, π), (−ℓ, ℓ).
In intervals (−π, π) & (−ℓ, ℓ), use even function or odd function or neither even
nor odd function(or none) ideas.

2.3 Odd and even functions

(
f (x) ⇒ Gn. f (x) is an even fn.[symmetric about y-axis]
(1) If 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)
96 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

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, · · ·

 Za
Za 

 f (x)dx, if f (x) is even
Note : f (x)dx =

 0
−a 
0, if f (x) is odd

(
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), (−ℓ, ℓ)
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 97

Interval (−ℓ, ℓ) (−π, π)

∞ ∞
a0 X nπx a0 X
If f (x) is even, f (x) = + an cos f (x) = + an cos nx
2 ℓ 2
⇒ bn = 0 n=1 n=1
where Z where Z π
1 ℓ 1
a0 = f (x)dx (or) a0 = f (x)dx (or)
ℓ −ℓ π −π
Z Z
2 ℓ 2 π
= f (x)dx = f (x)dx
ℓ 0 π 0
Z
Z 1 π
1 ℓ nπx an = f (x) cosnxdx (or)
an = f (x) cos dx (or) π −π
ℓ −ℓ ℓ Z
Z 2 π
2 ℓ nπx = f (x) cosnxdx
= f (x) cos dx π 0
ℓ 0 ℓ
X∞ ∞
X
nπx
If f (x) is odd, f (x) = bn sin f (x) = bn sin nx
ℓ
⇒ n=1 n=1
where Z where Z π
a0 = an = 0 1 ℓ nπx 1
bn = f (x) sin dx (or) bn = f (x) sin nxdx (or)
ℓ −ℓ ℓ π −π
Z Z
2 ℓ nπx 2 π
= f (x) sin dx = f (x) sin nxdx
ℓ 0 ℓ π 0
∞ ∞
a0 X nπx a0 X
f (x) = + an cos f (x) = + an cos nx
2 n=1
ℓ 2 n=1
If f (x) is none ∞ ∞
X nπx X
(neither odd nor + bn sin + bn sin nx
ℓ
even) n=1 n=1
where Z where Z π
1 ℓ 1
a0 = f (x)dx a0 = f (x)dx
ℓ −ℓ π −π
Z Z
1 ℓ nπx 1 π
an = f (x) cos dx an = f (x) cos nxdx
ℓ −ℓ ℓ π −π
Z
Z 1 π
1 ℓ nπx bn = f (x) sin nxdx
bn = f (x) sin dx π −π
ℓ −ℓ ℓ
98 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

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 r
π
1 2 π2 π
y= [f (x)] 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

Z ∞
1 ℓ
2 a20 X 2

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

(−π, π) [f (x)]2 dx = 0 + a2n + b2n
π −π 2 n=1
Z 2ℓ X∞
1 2 a 2
0


(0, 2ℓ) [f (x)] dx = + a2n + b2n
ℓ 0 2 n=1
Z 2π ∞
1 2 a0 X 2
2

(0, 2π) [f (x)] dx = + an + b2n
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 (−π, π) and
1 1 1 π2
deduce that 12
+ 22
+ 32
+ ··· = 6
·

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

Take f1 (x) = x. Clearly f1 (x) = x is an odd function in (−π, π).
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 99

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

P
∞
(−1)n
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
100 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

Zπ  π  
2 2 2 x3 2 π3
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
  
2 2π (−1)n
= 0+ − 0 − (0 + 0 − 0)
π n2
 
2 2π (−1)n
=
π n2
n
4 (−1)
an =
n2

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

π2 P∞ (−1)n
f2 (x) = +4 cos nx
3 n=1 n2

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

∞
X X∞
(−1)n π2 (−1)n
f (x) = −2 sin nx + +4 cos nx
n=1
n 3 n=1
n2
∞
X X∞
π2 (−1)n (−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
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 101

X∞
f (−π) + f (π) π2 (−1)n
∴ = −0+4 2
(−1)n
2 3 n=1
n
X∞
−π + π 2 + π + π 2 π2 (−1)2n
= +4
2 3 n=1
n2
X∞
π2 1
π2 = +4
3 n=1
n2
X∞
2 π2 1
π − =4
3 n=1
n2
X∞
2π 2 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
2 2 4 (−1)n
a0 = π , an = , bn = 0(∵ even)
( 3 n2 )
(i)x = π(or − π) (ii)x = 0 (iii) add i and ii
(iv) U se P arseval′ 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),

X∞
π2 (−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
102 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

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

2 2 π2 π2
2
+ 0 + 2 + 0 + ··· = +
1 3  6 12
1 1 1 3π 2
2 2 + 2 + 2 + ··· =
1 3 5 12
1 1 1 π2
+ + + ··· = ·
12 32 52 8
Example 2.15. * Find the Fourier series for f(x) = x in(−π, π)with period 2π.

−2
a0 = 0(∵ odd), an = 0(∵ odd), bn = (−1)n
n
Example 2.16. * Find the Fourier series for f(x) = x2 − x in(−π, π). 
2 2 4 n 2 n
a0 = π , an = 2 (−1) , bn = (−1)
3 n n
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 103

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)
Z n=1
2 π
where bn = f (x) sin nxdx
π 0
Z
2 π
= (x + 1) sin nxdx
 π 0    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
   
2 (−1)n −1
= − (π + 1) +0 − +0
π n n
 
2 1 (−1)n
= − (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∞

π + x, −π < x < 0 X 1 π2
f (x) = and deduce = .
π − x, 0 < x < π n=1
(2n − 1)2 8
104 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

 
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
Z n=1 Z
2 π 2 π
where a0 = f (x)dx, an = f (x) cos nxdx
πZ 0 π 0
2 π
Now, a0 = |cos x|dx
π 0
 π 
Z Z π
2
=  2 |cos x| dx + π |cos x| dx
π 0
2
 π 
Z Z π
2
=  2 cos xdx + π (− cos x)dx
π 0
2
 π 
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 =
π
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 105

Z π
2
an = |cos x| cos nxdx
π 0
 
Z π Z π
2
=  2 |cos x| cos nxdx + π |cos x| cos nxdx
π 0
2
 π 
Z Z π
2
=  2 cos x cos nxdx + π (− cos x) cos nxdx
π 0
2
 π 
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
106 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

 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) sin (n − 1)
= 2 + 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 cos + cos n sin sin cos − cos n sin
=  2 2 2 2 + 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
π (n2 − 1) Z
 2 π
Z π ∵ an = |cos x| cos nxdx
2  π Z0
Now, a1 = |cos x| cos xdx  2 π
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
2
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 107

 
Z π Z π
2
=  2 cos2 xdx − π cos2 xdx
π 0
2
 π 
Z Z π
2 1 1
=  2 (1 + cos 2x) dx − π (1 + cos 2x) dx
π 0 2 2
2
 π 
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 
π 2 0 2
2
1 hh π  i h π ii
= − 0 − 0 − (π + 0) − +0
π 2 2
h
1 π π i
= −
π 2 2
∴ a1 =0
From (1), the Fourier series of f (x) is
X∞
a0
f (x) = + a1 cos x + an cos nx
2 n=2
  nπ
X ∞ −4 cos
1 4 2 cos nx
= +0+ 2 − 1)
2 π n=2
π (n
nπ
4 X cos 2
∞
2
= − cos nx.
π π n=1 n2 − 1

Example 2.20. * Find the Fourier series for

f (x) = | sin x| in the interval
 (−π, π).  
 −4 
4 , (n = even)
a0 = , an =  π (n2 − 1) , bn = 0(∵ even)
 π 
0, (n = odd)
√
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 Z π
2 2
where a0 = f (x)dxan = f (x) cos nxdx
π 0 π 0
108 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

 r
Z √ x
2 π √  ∵ 1 − cos x = 2 sin2
Now, a0 = 1 − cos xdx  √ 2
π 0
x
= 2 sin
√ Z 2
Z
2 π√ x 2 2 π x
= 2 sin dx = sin dx
π 0 2 π 0 2
 π
√ x √
2 2  − cos 2  −4 2 h 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
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 109

Z
2 π√
an = 1 − cos x cos nxdx
π 0
Z
2 π√ 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
√
2  − cos n + 2 π cos n − 2 π   −1 1 
=   + − + 
π  1 1  1 1 
n+ n− n+ n−
2 2 2 2
     
√ 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
2  cos nπ cos + sin nπ sin cos nπ cos − sin nπ sin
= 2 2 − 2 2
π  1 1
n− n+
 2  2
1 1 
n− − n+ 
2 2 
+
1 

n2 − 
4
 
√ −1 1
2 − h π i
2 2 
=  0 − 0 + cos = 0, sin nπ = 0
1 
∵
π 2
n2 −
  4
√
2  −1 
= 
π 2
1
n −
√ 4
− 2
an =  
1
π n2 −
4

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

110 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

√ ! ∞ √
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
X∞
f (x) = bn sin nx (1)
Z n=1
2 π
where bn = f (x) sin nxdx
π 0
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 111

Z π
2
= x cos x sin nxdx
π 0
Z π
2
= x sin nx cos xdx
π 0
Z π
2 1
= x (sin (n + 1) x + sin (n − 1) x) dx
π 2
Z0 π
1
= 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
!  
(−1)n+1 (−1)n−1 (−1) (−1)n (−1)n
=− + =− +
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 n−1+n+1
=(−1)
n2 − 1
2n (−1)n
∴ bn = 2 , n 6= 1
n −Z1  Z 
2 π 2 π
Now, b1 = x cos x sin xdx ∵ bn = x cos x sin xdx
π 0 π 0
Z
1 π
= x2 sin x cos xdx
π 0
Z
1 π
= x sin 2xdx
 π 0   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
112 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

∞
X
f (x) =b1 sin x + bn sin nx
n=2
X∞
1 2n (−1)n
=− sin x + sin nx
2 n=2
n2 − 1
X∞
1 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) = and deduce
sin x, 0 < x < π
1 1 1 1
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
where

Z π Z π Z π
1 1 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  Z
1 1 π
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 =
π
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 113

Z 0 Z π 
1
an = 0 cos nxdx + sin x cos nxdx
π −π 0
Z
1 π
= cos nx sin xdx
π 0
Z π
1 1
= [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
 n n   
1 − (−1) (−1) (−1) 1 1
= + + −
2π n+1 (−1) (n − 1) n+1 n−1
   
1 − (−1) (−1)n (−1)n 1 1
= + + −
2π n+1 (−1) (n − 1) n+1 n−1
   
1 (−1)n (−1)n 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 Z 0 
Z Z π
1 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
114 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

Z 0 Z π 
1
bn = 0 sin nxdx + sin x sin nxdx
π −π 0
Z
1 π
= sin nx sin xdx
π 0
Z π
1 1
= [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
Z Z 0 Z π 
1 π 1
b1 = f (x) sin xdx = 0 sin xdx + sin x sin xdx
π −π π π 0
Z
1 π 2
= sin xdx
π 0
Z π Z π
1 1 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
X∞ X∞
a0
= + a1 cos x + an cos nx+b1 sin x + bn sin nx
2 n=2 n=2
  X ∞  
1 2 −1 (−1)n + 1 1
= +0+ 2
cos nx + sin x + 0
2 π n=2
n n −1 2

∞  
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:
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 115

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
X  (−1)n + 1  2
∞
2 2
1= 2
= +0+ +0+ + ···
n=2
n − 1 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 hence deduce
X∞
(−1)n π
2 2
= .
(n + 1) sinh π
n=2  
2 sinh π (−1)n 2n (−1)n sinh π
a0 = , an = (2 sinh π), bn = &x = 0
π π (1 + n2 ) π (1 + n2 )
116 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

2.5 Half range Fourier series in (0, ℓ)

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
ℓ n=1
ℓ
where Z where Z
2 ℓ 2 ℓ nπx
a0 = f (x)dx bn = f (x) sin dx
ℓ 0 ℓ 0 ℓ
Z
2 ℓ nπx
an = f (x) cos dx
ℓ 0 ℓ
Note :
Half range Fourier series in (0, π), substitute ℓ = 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)
Z ∞
2 ℓ 2 a20 X 2

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

(0, π) [f (x)]2 dx = 0 + a2n + b2n
π 0 2 n=1

Example 2.25. Find Half range Fourier sine series for f (x) = x in (0, π) and deduce
1 1 1 π2
+ + + ... = .
12 22 32 ( 6 ! ! )
∵ sine ∵ sine −2 (−1)n  
a0 = 0 , an = 0 , bn = & P ar′ s id
series series n
Example 2.26. * Find Half range Fourier cosine series for f (x) = x in (0, π) and
1 1 1 π4
deduce 4 + 4 + 4 + ... = .
1 3 5 96 ! 
  −4 , (n = odd) ∵ cos   
a = π, an = πn 2 , bn = 0 ′
& P ar s id
 0  0, (n = even) series 
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 117

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 2

− cos nx − 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
π n n2 n3 0
 n  
2 2 (−1) 2
= 0+0− 3
− 0+0− 3
π n n
 n
2 2 2 (−1)
= 3
−
π n n3
4
bn = 3
[1 − (−1)n ]
πn
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, 2ℓ] , [−ℓ, ℓ] , [0, ℓ]}

nπx
*Note : Just change π as ℓ and nx as in previous π format formulas.
ℓ
118 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

2.7.1 Examples under (0, 2ℓ)

Example 2.28. Find the Fourier series for f (x) = (ℓ − x)2 in (0, 2ℓ) and deduce
X∞  
1 π2 2ℓ2 4ℓ2
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<ℓ  , (n = odd)  
f (x) = ℓ .  2
a0 = 1, an = n π 2 , bn = 0
 2ℓ−x , ℓ < x < 2ℓ  0, (n = even) 
ℓ

2.7.2 Examples under (−ℓ, ℓ)

−x
 series for f (x) = e inn (−1, 1).
Example 2.31. Find the Fourier 
2 (−1) 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
  nπ  
 2k sin 
a0 = k, an = 2 , bn = 0 (∵ even function)
 nπ 

2.7.3 Examples under (0, ℓ)

Example  2.33. Findthe Fourier sine series for


 ℓ
 x, 0,
f (x) =  2 .

 ℓ
 ℓ−x, ,ℓ
2  nπ  
 ! !
 ∵ cosine ∵ cosine 4ℓ 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 , b = 0 (∵ cosine series)
n
 nπ 

Example 2.35. * Find the sine series for f (x) = x − x2 in 0 < x < 1.
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 119

 !  
 8
∵ cosine , n = odd 
a0 = an = 0 , b n =  n3 π 3
 series 0, n = even 

Example
 2.36. 
* Find the Half range cosineseries for f (x) = kx(ℓ − x) in (0, ℓ).
 kℓ2 0, when n is odd 
a = 
, an = −4kℓ 2
 0 3 , when n is even 
n2 π 2

2.8 Complex form of Fourier Series

Interval Fourier Series Complex Fourier coefficient

∞
X Z 2π
inx 1
(0, 2π) f (x) = Cn e Cn = f (x) e−inx dx
n=−∞
2π 0
X∞ Z π
1
(−π, π) f (x) = Cn einx Cn = f (x) e−inx dx
n=−∞
2π −π
X∞ Z 2ℓ
1
(0, 2ℓ) f (x) = Cn einπx/ℓ Cn = f (x) e−inπx/ℓ dx
n=−∞
2ℓ 0
X∞ Z
1 ℓ
(−ℓ, ℓ) f (x) = Cn einπx/ℓ Cn = f (x) e−inπx/ℓ dx
n=−∞
2ℓ −ℓ
X∞ Z
1 π
(0, π) f (x) = Cn einx Cn = f (x) e−inx dx
n=−∞
π 0
X∞ Z
1 ℓ
(0, ℓ) f (x) = Cn einπx/ℓ Cn = f (x) e−inπx/ℓ dx
n=−∞
ℓ 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 series for the function f(x) = x in 
−ℓ (−1)n
(−ℓ, ℓ). cn =
inπ

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.
120 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

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
Z
1 2π
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 − aPa 
f (x)
∴ a0 = 2 [ M eanvalueof f (x) in (0, 2π)] = 2
n
2 hX i
= f (x)
n Z 2π
1
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 [ M ean value of f (x) cos nx in (0, 2π)] = f (x) cos nx
n hX i
2
lly, bn = 2 [ M ean value of f (x) sin nx in (0, 2π)] = f (x) sin nx
n
Note: In equation (1),
a0
1. The term is called constant term / direct part / direct current part of Fourier
2
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
MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 121

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, 2ℓ), Fourier series upto 2nd harmonic is

a0  πx   πx 
f (x) = + a1 cos + b1 sin
2 ℓ  ℓ 
2πx 2πx
+ a2 cos + b2 sin
ℓ ℓ
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. ℓ form → 2ℓ = Number of data
N umber of data
⇒ℓ=
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 below:
x 0 π/3 2π/3 π 4π/3 5π/3 2π
. Find the Fourier series upto 2nd
f (x) 1.0 1.4 1.9 1.7 1.5 1.2 1.0
harmonic to represent y = f (x) in terms of x in (0, 2π).
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
122 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

1 hX i 1 a0 2.9
a0 =2 × y = 2 × [8.7] = 2.9 ⇒ = = 1.45
6 6 2 2
1 hX i 1
a1 =2 × y cos x = 2 × [−1.1] = −0.37
6 6
1 hX i 1
a2 =2 × y cos 2x = 2 × [−0.3] = −0.1
6 6
1 hX i 1
b1 =2 × y sin x = 2 × [0.5196] = 0.17
6 6
1 hX 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 the following
x 0 π/3 2π/3 π 4π/3 5π/3 2π
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

{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}

MA6351 Transforms and Partial Differential Equations by K A Niranjan Kumar 123

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

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

Exceptional Problems in (0, 2ℓ) format

Example ( 2.45. Find the Fourier series for

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

2.10 Assignment II[Fourier series]

1
1. Find the Fourier series of f (x) = (π − x) in the interval (0, 2π). Hence deduce
2
1 1 1 π
that 1 − + − + · · · ∞ = .
3 5 7 4
2. Find the Fourier series expansion of f (x) = ex in the interval (0, 2ℓ).
(
1 − x, −π < x < 0
3. Obtain the Fourier series for the function f (x) = . Hence
1 + x, 0<x<π
1 1 1 π2
deduce that 2 + 2 + 2 + ...∞ = .
1 3 5 8

 1 + 2x , −ℓ ≤ x ≤ 0

4. Find the Fourier series for the function given by f (x) = ℓ .
 2x
 1− , 0≤x≤ℓ
ℓ
X∞
1 π2
Hence deduce that = .
n=1
(2n − 1)2 8

 1 − x, 0 < x < 1

5. Express f (x) as a Fourier sine series where 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 <
1 1 1 π4
x < π. Deduce that 4 + 4 + 4 + · · · ∞ = .
1 2 3 90
7. Find the complex form of the Fourier series of f (x) = eax , −π < x < π.
124 Unit II - FOURIER SERIES (F.S.)

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 function
x: 0 1 2 3 4 5
given in the following table
f(x): 9 18 24 28 26 20