Mathematics-III for EC Engineering BAMTEC301

Module-1
FOURIER SERIES

DEFINITIONS :

A function y=f (x ) is said to be even, if f (−x)=f (x ). The graph of the even function is always symmetrical
about the y-axis.

A function y=f (x ) is said to be odd, if f (−x)=−f (x). The graph of the odd function is always symmetrical
about the origin.

For example, the function f (x)=¿ in [-1,1] is even as f (−x)=¿ f (x ) and the function f (x)=x in [−1 ,1] is odd
as f (−x)=−x=−f ( x) . The graphs of these functions are shown below:

Graph of f (x)=¿ Graph of f (x)=x

Note that the graph of f (x)=¿ is symmetrical about the y-axis

and the graph of f (x)=xis symmetrical about the origin.
1. If f (x) is even and g(x ) is odd, then h( x)=f (x )× g ( x) is odd

2. If f (x) and g(x ) are both even (or both odd) then h( x)=f (x )× g (x) is even.
For example,
1. h( x)=x 2 cos x is even, since both x 2 and cos x are even functions
2. h( x)=x sin x is even, since x and sin x are odd functions
3. h( x)=x 2 sin x is odd, since x 2 is even and sin x is odd.

a a

3. If f (x) is even, then ∫ f ( x ) dx=2 ∫ f ( x ) dx .

−a 0

4. If f (x)is odd, then ∫ f ( x ) dx=0 .

−a

2a a

5. If f ( 2 a−x )=f (x) then ∫ f ( x ) dx =2∫ f ( x ) dx .

0 0

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2a

6. If f ( 2 a−x )=−f (x) then ∫ f ( x ) dx =0 .

0

FORMULA FOR FOURIER SERIES

Consider a real-valued function f (x)which obeys the following conditions called Dirichlet’s conditions :

1. f (x) is defined in an interval (a ,a+ 2l), and f (x+ 2l)=f (x) so that f (x) is a periodic function of period
2 l.
2. f (x)is continuous or has only a finite number of discontinuities in the interval (a ,a+ 2l).
3. f (x) has no or only a finite number of maxima or minima in the interval (a ,a+ 2l).
a+2 l
1
Also, let a 0=
l
∫ f ( x ) dx , ⋯ ⋯ (1)
a

a+2 l
a n=
1
l
∫
a
f ( x ) cos ( nπxl ) dx , n=1 ,2 , 3 , ⋯ ⋯ (2)

a+2 l
b n=
1
l
∫
a
f ( x ) sin ( nπxl ) dx , n=1 ,2 , 3 , ⋯ ⋯ (3)

Then, the infinite series

( ) ( )
a0 ∞ nπx
∞
nπx
+∑ a n cos + ∑ b n sin (4)
2 1 l 1 l

is called the Fourier series of f (x) in the interval (a ,a+ 2l).

Also, the real numbersa 0 , a 1 , a2 , a3 , ⋯ ⋯ an∧b 1 , b 2 , b3 , ⋯ ⋯ bn are called the Fourier
Coefficients of f (x). The formulae (1), (2) and (3) are called Euler’s formulae.

It can be proved that the sum of the series (4) is f (x) if f (x) is continuous at x .
Thus we have

( ) ( )
a ∞ nπx
∞
nπx
f (x) ¿ 0 +∑ a n cos + ∑ b n sin ……. (5)
2 1 l 1 l

Suppose f (x) is discontinuous at x 0, then the sum of the series (4) would be
1
f ( x0)= ¿
2
Where f ¿ and f ¿ are the values of f (x) immediately to the right and to the left of x 0 respectively.

Some useful results:

1. The following rule called Bernoulli’s generalized rule of integration by parts is useful in
evaluating the Fourier coefficients.
∫ uvdx =u v 1−u' v 2 +u' ' v3 −⋯
Hereu' ,u ' ' ….. are the successive derivatives of u and
v 1=∫ vdx , v 2=∫ v 1 dx and so on.

2. The following integrals are also useful:

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Mathematics-III for EC Engineering BAMTEC301
ax ax
e e
i) ∫ e cos bx dx= 2 2 [ a cos bx+ b sin bx ] , ii)∫ e sin bx dx= 2 2 [ a sin bx−b cos bx ] .
ax ax

a +b a +b
3. If ‘n’ is integer, then
n
sin n=0 , cos n=(−1) ,sin 2 n=0 , cos 2 n=1.
α +2 π α +2 π

4. ∫ cos nx dx= ∫ sin nx dx=0 .

α α
α +2 π α +2 π

5. ∫ cos mx cos nx dx= ∫ sin mx sin nx dx=0 , for m ≠n .

α α

α +2 π α +2 π

6. ∫ sin mx cos nx dx= ∫ cos mx sin nx dx=0 , for m ≠n .

α α
α +2 π α +2 π

7. ∫ 2
cos nx dx = ∫ 2
sin nx dx=π , for n ≠ 0 .
α α

α +2 π

8. ∫ sin nx cos nx dx=0 , for n ≠ 0 .

α

Examples

1. Obtain the Fourier expansion of

1
f (x)= ( π −x )∈−¿ x <¿ .
2
a0 ∞ ∞
Solution: Clearly f (x) ¿ +∑ a n cos nx+ ∑ bn sin nx .
2 1 1

π π
1 1 1
And, a 0= ∫
π −π
f ( x ) dx= ∫ ( π−x ) dx
π −π 2
since x is odd function.

π π π π
¿ ∫ 1 dx=π . ∫ xdx=0 , ∫ 12 πdx=π ∫ 1dx
0 −π −π 0

π
1
a n= ∫ f ( x ) cos nx dx
π −π
π
1 1
¿ ∫ ( π−x ) cos nx dx Since x cos nx is odd function.
π −π 2

|
π π
sin nx π
¿ ∫ cos nx dx= ¿ 0. ∫ x cosnx dx=0
0 n 0 −π
π π
1 1 1
b n= ∫
π −π
f ( x ) sin nx dx= ∫ ( π −x ) sin nx dx
π −π 2
Since π sin nx is odd function

[ ]|
π
1 1 cos nx sin nx
¿− ∫ x sin nx dx= x − 2
π (−1 )n
¿
π 0 π n n 0 n
Therefore
∞ n
π (−1 )
f (x) ¿ + ∑ sin nx .
2 1 n
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This is the required Fourier expansion of the given function.

2. Obtain the Fourier expansion of f ( x )=e−axin the interval(−,).

∞
2 (−1 )n
And deduce that cosech π = ∑ 2 .
π 2 n +1
a0 ∞ ∞
Solution: Clearly f (x) ¿ +∑ a n cos nx+ ∑ bn sin nx .
2 1 1

π π
1 1
And, a 0= ∫
π −π
f ( x ) dx= ∫ e dx
π −π
−ax

[ ]
−ax aπ −aπ
¿
1 e π e −e 2sinh aπ
= = .
π −a −π aπ aπ
π
1
a n= ∫ f ( x ) cos nx dx
π −π
π
1
¿ ∫ e−ax cos nx dx
π −π

[ ]
n
1 e−ax (−1 ) sinh aπ
¿ [ −a cos nx+ n sin nx ] π = 2 a .
π a +n
2 2
−π π 2
a +n
2

π π
1 1
b n= ∫ f ( x ) sin nx dx= ∫ e sin nx dx
−ax
π −π π −π

[ ]
n
1 e−ax (−1 ) sinh aπ
¿ [ −a sin nx−n cos nx ] π = 2 n
π a +n
2 2
−π π 2
a +n
2

[ [ ] [ ] ]
∞ ∞ n n
2sinh aπ 1 (−1 ) a (−1 ) n
Thus, f (x) ¿ + ∑ 2 2 cos nx+ ∑ 2 2 sin nx .
π 2 a 1 a +n 1 a +n

For x=0 , a=1, the series reduces to

[ [ ]]
∞ n
2 sinh π 1 (−1 )
f (0) ¿ 1= +∑ .
π 2 1 1+ n2

[ ∑ [ ]] [ (−1 )n (−1 )n
[ ]]
(−1 )n
∞ ∞ ∞
2 1 2 1 1 2
⟹ cosech π = + 2
= − +∑ = ∑ 2
π 2 1 1+n π 2 2 2 1+ n2 π 2 n +1

3. Obtain the Fourier expansion of f ( x )=x −x2 over the interval(−,).

2
π 1 1 1
And deduce that =1− 2 + 2 − 2 ⋯ ⋯ ⋯
12 2 3 4
Solution: The function x 2 is even and x is odd.
a0 ∞ ∞
Let f (x) ¿ +∑ a n cos nx+ ∑ bn sin nx
2 1 1

|
π π π 3 2
1 1 2 2 x π −2 π
a 0= ∫ f ( x ) dx= ∫ ( x −x ) dx= ∫ (−x ) dx=−
2 2
Then, =
π −π π −π π 0 3π 0 3

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π π
1 1
a n= ∫ f ( x ) cos nx dx= ∫ ( x −x ) cos nx dx
2
π −π π −π
π
2
¿− ∫
π 0
2
x cos nx dx

[ ( ) ( )]
n
2 2 sin nx −cos nx −sin nx π −4 (−1 )
¿− x −2 x 2
+2 3
= 2 .
π n n n 0 n
π π
1 1
b n= ∫ f ( x ) sin nx dx= ∫ ( x−x ) sin nx dx
2
π −π π −π
π
2
¿ ∫ x sin nx dx
π 0

[( ) ( )]
n
2 −cos nx −sin nx π −2 (−1 )
¿ x −1 2
= .
π n n 0 n
∞ n ∞ n
π2 (−1 ) (−1 )
Thus, f (x) ¿− −4 ∑ 2 cos nx−2 ∑ sin nx
3 1 n 1 n

[ ] [ ]
2
π cos x cos 2 x cos 3 x sin x sin 2 x sin3 x
i.e. f (x) ¿− +4 2
− 2
+ 2
−⋯ ⋯ +2 − + −⋯ ⋯
3 1 2 3 1 2 3
For x=0 , the series reduces to

[ ]
2
−π 1 1 1
f (0) ¿ 0= +4 2 − 2 + 2 −⋯ ⋯ .
3 1 2 3
2
π 1 1 1
⟹ Hence, =1− 2 + 2 − 2 ⋯ ⋯ ⋯
12 2 3 4

4. Obtain the Fourier expansion of f ( x )=x 2 over the interval(−,).

2
π 1 1 1
And deduce that =1+ 2 + 2 + 2 ⋯ ⋯ ⋯
6 2 3 4
Solution: The function x 2 is even, b n=0.
a ∞
∴ f (x) ¿ 0 +∑ a n cos nx
2 1

|
π π π 3 2
1 1 2 2x π 2 π
a 0= ∫ f ( x ) dx= ∫ x dx = ∫ ( x ) dx=
2 2
And, =
π −π π 0 π 0 3π 0 3

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

π
2
¿ ∫
π 0
2
x cos nx dx

[ ( ) ( )]
n
2 2 sin nx −cos nx −sin nx π 4 (−1 )
¿ x −2 x 2
+2 3
= 2 .
π n n n 0 n
∞ n
π2 (−1 )
Thus, f (x) ¿ +4 ∑ 2 cos nx
3 1 n

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For x=π , the series reduces to
∞ n n
π2 (−1 ) (−1 )
2
f (π) ¿ π = +4 ∑ .
3 1 n2
∞ 2
2 π2 1 π 1 1
⟹ =4 ∑ 2 . Hence, =1+ 2 + 2 + ⋯ ⋯ ⋯
3 1 n 6 2 3

5. Obtain the Fourier expansion of f ( x )=

2
{2 π −xx , 0≤, π x≤≤x π≤ 2 π .
π 1 1
Deduce that =1+ 2 + 2 + ⋯ ⋯ ⋯
8 3 5
Solution: Since f ( 2 π−x )=2 π− (2 π−x )=x =f ( x ), ∴ b n=0.
a0 ∞
Let f (x) ¿ +∑ a n cos nx
2 1

|
2π π 2
1 2 x π
Then, a 0= ∫ f ( x ) dx= ∫ xdx =¿ =π
π 0 π 0 π 0
2π π
1 2
a n= ∫ f ( x ) cos nx dx= ∫ x cos nx dx
π 0 π 0

[ −cos nx π 2 [ (−1 ) −1 ]
)]
n
¿
2 sin nx
π
x
n
−1
n
2
=
0 π ( n
2 .

Thus, f (x) ¿ −
2 π 12
+
3
2
+
[
π 4 cos x cos 3 x cos 5 x
5
2
+⋯ ⋯
]
For x=0 , the series reduces to
π 4 1 1 1
f (0) ¿ 0= − + + +⋯⋯ .
2 π 12 32 52 [ ]
[ ]
2
π 4 1 1 1 π 1 1 1
⟹ = + + +⋯⋯ . Hence, = 2 + 2 + 2 +⋯ ⋯
2 π 12 32 52 8 1 3 5

6. Obtain the Fourier expansion of f ( x )=

2
−π ,−π < x <0
x , 0< x < π
. {
π 1 1
Deduce that =1+ 2 + 2 + ⋯ ⋯ ⋯
8 3 5
a0 ∞ ∞
Solution: Let f (x) ¿ +∑ a n cos nx+ ∑ bn sin nx .
2 1 1

[ ] [ |]
π 0 π 2
1 1 1 0 x π −π
Then, a 0= ∫ f ( x ) dx= −∫ πdx +∫ xdx = −πx| + =
π −π π −π 0 π −π 2 0 2

[ ]
π 0 π
1 1
a n= ∫ f ( x ) cos nx dx= −∫ π cos nx dx +∫ x cos nx dx
π −π π −π 0

{[ ] [
−cos nx π [ (−1 ) −1 ]
)] }
n

¿
1
π
−π
sin nx 0
n −π
+ x
sin nx
n
−1
n
2
0
=
πn
2 . (
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[ ]
π 0 π
1 1
b n= ∫
π −π
f ( x ) sin nx dx= −∫ π sin nx dx+∫ x sin nx dx
π −π 0

¿
1
π
−π
{[
−cos nx 0
n −π (
+ x
−cos nx
n
−1
n
2 )]
−sin nx π
0 [( ) ( )] }
{
1 π [ 1−2 (−1 ) ] [ 1−2 (−1 ) ]
}
n n

¿ =
π n n

4 π 1 2
+
3
2
+
5
2 [
π 2 cos x cos 3 x cos 5 x
Thus, f (x) ¿− − +⋯⋯ +
3 sin x sin 2 x 3 sin 3 x sin 4 x
1
−
2
+
3
−
4
⋯⋯
]
For x=0 , the series reduces to
1
f ( 0 )= ¿ .
2

[ ]
2
π 2 1 1 1 π 1 1 1
⟹ = + + +⋯⋯ . Hence, = 2 + 2 + 2 +⋯ ⋯
4 π 12 32 52 8 1 3 5

{
∞
0 ,−π < x < 0 1 sin x 2 cos 2 nx
7. If f ( x )= , prove that f ( x )= + − ∑ ,
sin x , 0< x< π π 2 π 1 4 n2−1
1 1 1 1
Hence show that − + −⋯ ⋯= ( π −2 ).
1.3 3.5 5.7 4
a0 ∞ ∞
Solution: Let f (x) ¿ +∑ a n cos nx+ ∑ bn sin nx .
2 1 1

[ ]
π 0 π
1 1
Then, a 0= ∫ f ( x ) dx=
π −π π
∫ 0 dx+∫ sin x dx = 1π [ −cos x ]|π0 = π2
−π 0

[∫ ]
π 0 π
1 1
a n= ∫ f ( x ) cos nx dx= 0 cos nx dx+∫ sin x cos nx dx
π −π π −π 0

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

¿
1
2π {[ −cos ( n+ 1 ) x cos ( n−1 ) x π
n+1
+
n−1 0
, for n ≠ 1. ]}
[ ] {
n+1 n−1 0 , for n is odd
1 1− (−1 ) 1−(−1 )
¿ − = −2
2π n+1 n−1 , for nis even ,
π ( n −1 )
2

−2
∴ If n=2 k , a2 k = for k=1 , 2 ,3 ⋯ ⋯
π ( 4 k 2−1 )
π π
1
When n=1 , a 1= ∫ sin x cos x dx= 21π ∫ sin 2 x dx
π 0 0

¿
2π 2 [
1 −cos 2 x π
0
=0 .
]
[∫ ]
π 0 π
1 1
b n= ∫ f ( x ) sin nx dx= 0 sin nx dx +∫ sin x sin nx dx
π −π π −π 0

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

¿
1
2π {[ sin ( n−1 ) x sin ( n+1 ) x π
n−1
+
n+1 0 ]}
=0 , for n ≠ 1.

[ ]
π π
1 1 1 sin 2 x π 1
When n=1 , b 1= ∫ sin x sin x dx = ∫ ( 1−cos 2 x ) dx= x− = .
π 0 2π 0 2π 2 0 2
∞
1 sin x 2 cos 2nx
Therefore, f (x) ¿ f ( x )= + − ∑ .
π 2 π 1 4 n2−1
∞ n
π 1 1 2 (−1 )
When x= , the series reduces to 1= + − ∑ .
2 π 2 π 1 ( 4 n −1 )
2

∞ n
π (−1 ) 1 1 1 1
Or, −1=−2 ∑ , − + −⋯ ⋯= ( π −2 ) .
2 1 ( 2 n−1 )( 2 n+1 ) 1.3 3.5 5.7 4

{
−1 for−π < x <0
8. Find the Fourier series for the function f ( x )= 0 for x=0 .
1 for 0< x< π
1 1 1 π
Hence prove that 1− + − + ⋯ ⋯=
3 5 7 4
Solution: Clearly f (−x ) =−f (x ) function is odd, and hence a 0=a n=0 .
∞
Let f (x) ¿ ∑ b n sin nx .
1
π π
2 2
Then, b n= ∫
π 0
f ( x ) sin nx dx= ∫ sin nx dx
π 0

π
¿
n (
2 −cos nx π 2
0 πn )
= ( 1−(−1 )n )
4 4 4
∴ b1= , b2 =0 , b3= , b4 =0 , b5= , b6 =0 etc
π 3π 5π

Hence f (x) ¿
4
π [
sin x+
sin 3 x sin 5 t sin 7 t
3
+
5
+
7
+⋯ ⋯ ⋯ .
]
π
When x= ,
2
the series reduces to 1=
4
π [
1 1 1
1− + − + ⋯ ⋯ ⋯
3 5 7 ]
1 1 1 π
∴ 1− + − + ⋯ ⋯ = .
3 5 7 4

9. Obtain the Fourier series of f (x)=1−x 2 over the interval (−1 , 1).

Solution: Since the function is even,b n=0. And the period is 2 l=1−(−1 )=2 .

( )
a0 ∞ nπx
Let f (x) ¿ +∑ a n cos
2 1 l
∞
a0
i.e. f (x) ¿ +∑ a n cos nπx .
2 1
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( )
1 3
2 ( x 1 4
Then, a 0 = ∫
10
1−x
2
) dx=2 x − = .
3 0 3
1
2
a n= ∫ ( 1−x ) cos nπx dx
2
10

[ ( ) ( )]
n
2 ( 2 sin nπx −cos nπx ( ) −sin nπx 1 −4 (−1 )
¿ 1−x ) −(−2 x ) 2 2
+ −2 3 3
= 2 2
1 nπ n π n π 0 n π

3 π 1
2
−
2
2
+
3
2
−
[
2 4 cos x cos 2 x cos 3 x cos 4 x
Thus, 1−x 2 ¿ + 2
4
2
+⋯⋯
]

{
4x 3
,− < x ≤ 0 1+
f ( x ) = 3 2
10. Obtain the Fourier expansion of .
4x 3
1− ,0 ≤ x <
3 2
2
π 1 1
Deduce that =1+ 2 + 2 + ⋯ ⋯ ⋯
8 3 5
4x
3
3 −3
Solution: Since f (−x ) =1− =f (x) , f (x) is even, b n=0. And the period is2 l= −
2 2
=3. ( )
( ) ( )
a0 ∞ nπx a0
∞
2 nπx
Let f (x) ¿ +∑ a n cos = + ∑ a n cos
2 1 l 2 1 3
3
3
( )
2
Then, a 0=
4
∫
3 0
1−
4x
3 (4
dx= x −
3
4 x2
6 )
2 =0 .
0
3
2

a n=
4
∫
3 0
1−
4x
3 (
cos
2 nπx
3
dx ) ( )

[ ( ) (−9 cos (
3 )
) ( )]
2 nπx 2 nπx
3 sin 3 4 ( 1− (−1 )n )
¿ ( 1− ) −(
3 )
4 4x 3 −4
2 2 2= 2 2
3 3 2 nπ 4n π n π
0

Thus, f ( x )=¿ 8
π2 [ cos ( 23πx ) + cos( 63πx ) + cos ( 103πx ) +⋯ ⋯
12 32 52 ]
Put x=0 , we get f ( 0 )=1=¿
2
2 [
8 1 1 1
2
+ 2 + 2 +⋯⋯
π 1 3 5 ]
π 1 1
Hence =1+ 2 + 2 + ⋯ ⋯ ⋯
8 3 5

HALF-RANGE FOURIER SERIES

The Fourier expansion of the periodic function f (x) of period 2 lmay contain both sine and cosine terms. Many
a time it is required to obtain the Fourier expansion of f (x)in the interval (0 , l) which is regarded as half
interval. The definition can be extended to the other half in such a manner that the function becomes even or
odd. This will result in cosine series or sine series only.
Sine series:
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Suppose f (x)=(x ) is given in the interval(0 , l) . Then we define f (x)=−(−x ) in (−l , 0). Hence f (x) becomes
an odd function in(−l , l).
The Fourier half range sine series is

( )
∞
nπx
f ( x )=∑ bn sin
1 l
l
b = ∫ f ( x)sin (
l )
2 nπx
Where n dx
l 0

{
∅ ( x )∈ ( 0 , l ) ⋯ given
Cosine series: Let us define f ( x )= ∅ (−x ) ∈(−l , 0 ) ⋯ ∈order make the function even ¿
¿
Then the Fourier half range cosine series of f (x)is given by

( )
a0 ∞ nπx
f ( x )= + ∑ an cos
2 1 l
l
2
Where, a 0= ∫ f (x)dx .
l 0
l
a n=
2
∫ f ( x)cos nπx
l 0 l
dx ( )
Examples:
1. Expand f (x)=x(−x) as half-range sine series over the interval(0 ,).
∞
Solution: We have, l=π , ∴ f ( x )=∑ b n sin nx
1
l
2
Where b n= ∫ f ( x)sin nx dx
l 0
π
2
¿ ∫ (x−x )sin nx dx
2
π 0

π
2 (
¿
[
x−x )
2 −cos nx
n
−(−2 x ) ( n
2)+ −2
n (
−sin nx ( ) cos nx π
3
0 ) ( )]
4
¿ 3 [ 1−(−1 ) ]
n

n π
∞
4 1
And hence, f ( x )= ∑ 3 [ 1−(−1 ) ] sin nx .
n

π 1 n

{
π
x , 0< x <
2
2. Obtain the cosine series of f ( x )= over (0 , π )
π
π−x , < x< π
2
a0 ∞
Solution: f ( x )= + ∑ an cos nx
2 1
π
2
Where, a 0= ∫ f ( x )dx
π 0

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[ ]
π
2 π
2
¿
π
∫ xdx +∫ ( π −x ) dx
0 π
2

[( ) ] [ ( )( )]
2 π 2 π

( )
2 2 2 2
2 x x 2 π 2 π π π π
¿ 2 + πx− π = + π− − − = .
π 2 2 π 8 2 2 8 2
0 2
π
2
a n= ∫ f ( x )cos nx dx
π 0

[ ]
π
2 π
2
¿
π
∫ x cos nx dx+∫ ( π −x ) cos nx dx
0 π
2

[{ ( )} { }]
π π
¿
2
π
x
sin nx
n
−1. ) (
−cos nx
n
2 2 + ( π −x )
0
sin nx
n
+1. (
−cos nx
n
2
π
2
) ( )

[ ( )( ) ( ) ( )]
nπ nπ nπ nπ
sin cos sin n cos
2 π 2 2 1 π 2 (−1 ) 2
¿ + 2
− 2 +0− − 2 + 2
π 2 n n n 2 n n n
2
2
n π
¿−
[
1+ (−1 )n−2 cos
nπ
2
−8
]
= 2 , for n=2 , 6 ,10 , ⋯ ⋯
n π
Thus, the half range Fourier cosine series is
f ( x )= −
4 π 2
2 [
π 8 cos 2 x cos 6 x cos 10 x
+
6
2
+
10
2
+⋯⋯
]
¿ −
4 π 1
2
+
[
π 2 cos 2 x cos 6 x cos 10 x
3
2
+
5
2
+⋯ ⋯
]
3. Obtain the half-range cosine series of f (x)=c−x in 0< x < c .

( )
a0 ∞ nπx
Solution: f ( x )= + ∑ a cos
2 1 n c
c
2
Where, a 0= ∫ f (x)dx
c 0

[ ] [ ( )]
c 2
2
¿
c
∫ ( c−x ) dx ¿ 2c ( cx ) c0 − x2 c0 = c .
0

c
a n=
2
c 0 ( )
∫ f ( x)cos nπx
c
dx

c[ c ) ]
c
¿ ∫ ( c−x ) cos (
2 nπx
dx
0

¿
2
c
2c
[{ ( ) (
( c−x )

[ 1−(−1 )n ]
c sin

nπ
( nπxc ) +1. −c cos( nπxc ) 2

n π
2 2 )} ]
c
0

2 2
n π
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Mathematics-III for EC Engineering BAMTEC301

Thus, the half range Fourier cosine series is

( )
∞
c 2c 1 nπx
f ( x )= + 2 ∑ 2 [ 1−(−1 ) ] cos
n

2 π 1 n c

[
cos ( ) cos ( ) cos (
c )
]
πx 3 πx 5 πx
c 4c c c
¿ + + + +⋯ ⋯
2 π2 12 32 52

{
1 1
−x , if 0< x<
4 2
4. Expand f ( x )= , as the Fourier series of sine terms.
3 1
x− ,if < x<1
4 2
∞
Solution: We have, l=1 , ∴ f ( x )=∑ b n sin nπx
1
l
2
Where b n= ∫ f ( x)sin nπx dx
l 0

[ ]
1
2 1
2 1 3
¿
1
∫( 4 −x )sin nπx dx +∫ (x− 4 )sin nπx dx
0 1
2

[( )]
1
¿2
1
4
−x
−cos nπx
nπ
+1. )(
−sin nπx
2 2
n π ) ( 2
0

[( )]
1
+2 x−
3
4 )( −cos nπx
nπ ) (
−1.
−sin nπx
2 2
n π
1
2

[( ) ( ) ( )( )]
nπ nπ nπ nπ
cos −sin cos −sin
( )
n
¿2
1
4 nπ
2
+
1 1
4 nπ
+1. 2 2
n π
2
− ( )
1
4
( −1
nπ
)
−
1
4 nπ
2
+ 2 2
n π
2

nπ
sin
1 2
¿
2nπ
[ 1−(−1 ) ]−4 2 2
n

n π

{ }
nπ
∞ sin
And hence, ( ) 1 2 .
f x =∑
2 nπ
[ 1−(−1 ) ]−4 2 2 sin nπx
n

1 n π
1 4
(
¿ − 2 sin πx +
π π
1 4
)
+ 2 2 sin 3 πx+
3π 3 π ( 1
) 4
− 2 2 sin 5 πx+ ⋯
5π 5 π ( )

HARMONIC ANALYSIS

The Fourier series of a known function f (x) in a given interval may be found by finding the Fourier
coefficients. The method described cannot be employed when f (x) is not known explicitly, but defined
through the values of the function at some equidistant points. In such a case, the integrals in Euler’s formulae
cannot be evaluated. Harmonic analysis is the process of finding the Fourier coefficients numerically.
To derive the relevant formulae for Fourier coefficients in Harmonic analysis, we employ the following result:

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Mathematics-III for EC Engineering BAMTEC301
The mean value of a continuous function f (x) over the interval (0 , 2 π ) denoted by [f (x )] is defined as
2π
1
[ f (x)]= ∫ f ( x ) dx.
2π 0

Thus, a 0=2
∑ y , a =2 ∑ y cos x , a =2 ∑ y cos 2 x ⋯ ⋯ , b =2 ∑ y sin x , b =2 ∑ y sin 2 x ⋯ ⋯
1 2 1 2
N N N N N
a0
Then f ( x )= + a1 cos x+b 1 sin x +a 2 cos 2 x +b2 sin 2 x + ⋯
2

The term a 1 cos x +b 1 sin x is called the first harmonic or fundamental harmonic,
the term a 2 cos 2 x +b2 sin 2 x is called the second harmonic and so on. The amplitude of the first harmonic is
√ a21 +b 21 and that of second harmonic is √ a22 +b 22 and so on.

Examples
1. Express f (x) as Fourier series upto second harmonics for the given table.

x π 2π 4π 5π
0 π 2π
3 3 3 3
f (x) 1.0 1.4 1.9 1.7 1.5 1.2 1.0

Solution: Note that the values of y=f (x ) are spread over the interval 0 x 2 and f (0)=f (2)=1.0. Hence the
function is periodic and so we omit the last value f (2)=1.0. And ¿ 6 .

a 0=2
∑ y = 1+1.4+1.9+ 1.7+1.5+1.2 = 8.7 =2.9
N 3 3

a 1=2
∑ y cos x =
1 cos 0+1.4 cos ( π3 )+ 1.9 cos( 23π )+1.7 cos π +1.5 cos ( 43π )+1.2 cos ( 53π ) = −1.1 =−0.3667
N 3 3

a 2=2
∑ y cos 2 x =
1 cos 0+1.4 cos ( 23π )+1.9 cos ( 43π )+1.7 cos 2 π +1.5 cos ( 83π )+ 1.2cos ( 103π ) =−0.3 =−0.1
N 3 3

b 1=2
∑ y sin x =
1 sin 0+1.4 sin ( π3 )+1.9 sin ( 23π )+1.7 sin π +1.5 sin ( 43π )+1.2 sin ( 53π )= 0.5196 =0.1732
N 3 3

b 2=2
∑ y sin 2 x =
1 sin 0+1.4 sin ( 23π )+1.9 sin ( 43π )+ 1.7 sin 2 π +1.5 sin ( 83π )+1.2 sin ( 103π ) = −0.1732 =−0.0577
N 3 3

∴ f ( x )=1.45−0.3667 cos x +0.1732 sin x−0.1 cos 2 x−0.0577 sin 2 x

2. Express y as a Fourier series upto the third harmonic given the following values:

x 0 1 2 3 4 5
y 4 8 15 7 6 2

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Mathematics-III for EC Engineering BAMTEC301
Solution: The values of y at x=0 , 1 , 2, 3 , 4 ,5 are given and hence the interval of x should be 0 ≤ x< 6. The
length of the interval¿ 6−0=6, so that 2 l=6∨l=3.
The Fourier series up to the third harmonic is
a0
y= + a1 cos θ +b1 sin θ+a 2 cos 2 θ+b 2 sin 2 θ+ a3 cos 3θ +b3 sin 3 θ
2
πx πx
Where θ= =
l 3

a 0=2
∑ y = 4 +8+15+ 7+6+2 = 42 =14 .
N 3 3

a 1=2
∑ y cos θ =
4 cos 0+ 8 cos ( π3 )+15 cos ( 23π )+7 cos π + 6 cos( 43π )+2 cos( 53π ) = −8.5 =−2.8333
N 3 3

a 2=2
∑ y cos 2 θ =
4 cos 0+8 cos ( 23π )+15 cos ( 43π )+ 7 cos 2 π + 6 cos( 83π )+2 cos ( 103π ) = −4.5 =−1.5
N 3 3

a 3=2
∑ y cos 3 θ = 4 cos 0+8 cos π + 15 cos 2 π +7 cos 3 π +6 cos 4 π +2 cos 5 π = 8 =2.6667
N 3 3

b 1=2
∑ y sin θ =
4 sin 0+ 8 sin ( π3 )+15 sin ( 23π )+ 7 sin π + 6 sin ( 43π )+ 2sin ( 53π ) = 12.9904 =4.3301
N 3 3

b 2=2
∑ y sin 2θ =
4 sin 0+8 sin ( 23π )+15 sin ( 43π )+7 sin 2 π + 6 sin ( 83π )+2 sin ( 103π ) =−2.5981 =−0.8660 .
N 3 3

b 3=2
∑ y sin 2 θ = 4 sin 0+ 8sin π +15 sin 2 π + 7 sin 3 π +6 sin 4 π +2 sin5 π = 0 =0
N 3 3

∴ y=7−2.8333 cos θ+ 4.3301sin θ−1.5 cos 2 θ−0.8660 sin 2θ+2.6667 cos 3 θ

Or y=7−2.8333 cos ( πx3 )+ 4.3301 sin ( πx3 )−1.5 cos( 23πx )−0.8660 sin ( 23πx )+ 2.6667 cos πx
3. The following table gives the variations of a periodic current A over a period :

t(secs) 0 T/6 T/3 T/2 2T/3 5T/6 T

A (amp) 1.98 1.30 1.05 1.30 -0.88 -0.25 1.98

Show that there is a constant part of 0.75amp. in the current A and obtain the amplitude of the first harmonic.

Solution: Note that the values of A at t=0 and t=T are the same. Hence A(t) is a periodic function of period
T. The Fourier series up to the first harmonic is
a0
y= + a1 cos θ +b1 sin θ
2

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Mathematics-III for EC Engineering BAMTEC301
πx 2 πt
Where θ= =
l T

a 0=2
∑ y = 1.98+1.3+1.05+1.3−0.88−0.25 = 4.5 =1.5 .
N 3 3

a 1=2
∑ y cos θ =
1.98 cos 0+ 1.3 cos ( π3 )+1.05 cos ( 23π )+1.3 cos π −0.88 cos( 43π )−0.25 cos( 53π ) = 1.12 =0.3733
N 3 3

b 1=2
∑ y sin θ =
1.98 sin 0+1.3 sin ( π3 )+1.05 sin ( 23π )+ 1.3 sin π −0.88 sin ( 43π )−0.25 sin ( 53π ) = 3.0138 =1.0046
N 3 3
∴ A=0.75+ 0.3733 cos θ+1.0046 sin θ

Or A=0.75+0.3733 cos ( 2Tπt )+1.0046 sin ( 2Tπt )

The expression shows that A has a constant part 0.75 in it.
And the amplitude of the first harmonic is √ a21 +b 21 ¿ 1.0717 .
EXERCISE:

1.An alternating current after passing through a rectifier has the form i= {I 0sinxπ < 0x ≤≤2x ≤π π
0
where I 0 is the
maximum current and period 2 π
I0

-π 0 π 2 π 3 π

1 1 1
Express i as a Fourier Series and evaluate + + +. . .
1.3 3.5 5.7

2.find the Fourier Series of the periodic function f (x)=

∞ n +1
{
−k−π ≤ x ≤ 0
k 0< x ≤ π
and f ( x +2 π )=f (x) sketch the graph
(−1 ) π
of f(x) and Deduce that∑ =
n =1 2n−1 4

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

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