Modules in

Advanced Engineering Mathematics

SESSION TOPIC 5: Fourier Series

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the discussion, the student should be able to:
1. obtain Fourier series of a given function
2. obtain half-range Fourier sine or cosine series

KEY TERMS
Fourier
Fourier series odd function periodic function
coefficients
half-range Fourier
even function period
series

CORE CONTENT

5.1 Periodic Functions

A function 𝑓 is said to have a period 𝑇 or to be periodic with period 𝑇 if for all 𝑥, 𝑓(𝑥 + 𝑇) = 𝑓(𝑥), where
𝑇 is a positive constant.
The least (smallest) value of 𝑇 > 0 is called the least period or simply the period of 𝑓.
The graph of 𝑓 repeats itself after one period.
Example 1: The functions 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 and 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 have periods 2𝜋, 4𝜋, 6𝜋, … since
sin(𝑥 + 2𝜋) = sin(𝑥 + 4𝜋) = sin(𝑥 + 6𝜋) = ⋯ = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 and
cos(𝑥 + 2𝜋) = cos(𝑥 + 4𝜋) = cos(𝑥 + 6𝜋) = ⋯ = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
The least period or the period of 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 and 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 is 2𝜋.
2𝜋
The period of 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑘𝑥 and 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑘𝑥 is
|𝑘|
.

period=2𝜋
(one full wave)

𝑦 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥

period=2𝜋
(one full wave)

𝑦 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑥
 𝜋
Example 2: The function 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑥 has period 𝜋 and 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑘𝑥 has period
|𝑘|
Example 3: A constant function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑐 has any positive number as period.

Recall:

Even and Odd Functions

A function 𝑓 is even if 𝑓(−𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥) for all 𝑥 in the domain of 𝑓.

The graph of an even function is symmetric about the y-axis.
Examples:
The functions 𝑥 2 , 2𝑥 8 − 4𝑥 6 − 5, 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 are even functions.

A function 𝑓 is odd if 𝑓(−𝑥) = −𝑓(𝑥) for all 𝑥 in the domain of 𝑓.

The graph of an even function is symmetric about the origin.
Examples:
The functions 𝑥, 𝑥 5 − 2𝑥 3 , 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 are odd functions.

A function 𝑓 is neither even nor odd if 𝑓(−𝑥) ≠ 𝑓(𝑥) and 𝑓(−𝑥) ≠ −𝑓(𝑥).
Examples:
The functions 3𝑥 + 1, 4𝑥 6 + 5𝑥 3 + 2 are neither even nor odd.

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

(odd function) (odd function) = even function
(even function) (odd function) = odd function
Examples: 𝑥 2 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 is even since 𝑥 2 is even and 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥 is even
𝑥 3 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 is even since 𝑥 3 is odd and 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 is odd
𝑥 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 is odd since 𝑥 2 is even and 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 is odd

Suppose that 𝑓 is defined on the closed interval [−𝑎, 𝑎]. Then

𝑎
(a) ∫−𝑎 𝑓(𝑥)𝑑𝑥 = 0 if 𝑓 is odd
𝑎 𝑎
(b) ∫−𝑎 𝑓(𝑥)𝑑𝑥 = 2 ∫0 𝑓(𝑥)𝑑𝑥 if 𝑓 is even

Examples:
2
1. ∫−2 𝑥 3 𝑑𝑥 = 0 since 𝑥 3 is odd
3 3
2. ∫−3(𝑥 4 − 5𝑥 2 + 6)𝑑𝑥 = 2 ∫0 (𝑥 4 − 5𝑥 2 + 6)𝑑𝑥 since 𝑥 4 − 5𝑥 2 + 6 is even
𝜋
3. ∫−𝜋 𝑥 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 0 since 𝑥 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 is odd
𝜋 𝜋
4. ∫−𝜋 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 2 ∫0 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 𝑑𝑥 since 𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 is even
5.2 Fourier Series

A Fourier series is a representation of a function as a series of constants

times sine and/or cosine functions of different frequencies.
Let 𝑓 be defined for −𝐿 < 𝑥 < 𝐿 and outside of this interval by
𝑓(𝑥 + 2𝐿) = 𝑓(𝑥), that is, assume that 𝑓 has the period 2𝐿.
The Fourier series or Fourier expansion of 𝑓 on (−𝐿, 𝐿) is
1 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑓(𝑥) = 2 𝑎0 + ∑+∞
𝑛=1 [𝑎𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 ( 𝐿 ) + 𝑏𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( 𝐿 )]

where the Fourier coefficients 𝑎𝑛 and 𝑏𝑛 are

1 𝐿 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑎𝑛 = 𝐿 ∫−𝐿 𝑓(𝑥) cos ( ) 𝑑𝑥 --- (1)
𝐿
1 𝐿 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑏𝑛 = 𝐿 ∫−𝐿 𝑓(𝑥) sin ( ) 𝑑𝑥 , 𝑛 = 0,1,2,3, …
𝐿
French math’n and physicist,
If 𝑓 has the period 2𝐿, the Fourier coefficients can be determined Jean-Baptiste Joseph Fourier
equivalently from 1768-1830
1 𝑐+2𝐿 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑎𝑛 = 𝐿 ∫𝑐 𝑓(𝑥) cos ( ) 𝑑𝑥 --- (2) (Fourier is pronounced “foo-ri-yey”)
𝐿
1 𝑐+2𝐿 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑏𝑛 = 𝐿 ∫𝑐 𝑓(𝑥) sin ( ) 𝑑𝑥
𝐿
where 𝑐 is any real number. In the special case 𝑐 = −𝐿, formulas (2) reduce to (1).

To determine 𝑎0 , we use (1) or (2) with 𝑛 = 0. From (1), we have

1 𝐿
𝑎0 = 𝐿 ∫−𝐿 𝑓(𝑥)𝑑𝑥
1 1 𝐿
Note that 2 𝑎0 = 2𝐿 ∫−𝐿 𝑓(𝑥)𝑑𝑥, which is the mean of 𝑓(𝑥) over a period.

Example 1: Find the Fourier series of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 for −𝜋 < 𝑥 < 𝜋.
Solution:

“sawtooth wave”

First, we find the Fourier coefficients.

The period is 2𝐿 = 2𝜋, so 𝐿 = 𝜋. The Fourier coefficients are
1 𝐿 1 𝜋 1
𝑎0 = 𝐿 ∫−𝐿 𝑓(𝑥)𝑑𝑥 = 𝜋 ∫−𝜋 𝑥 𝑑𝑥=𝜋 ∙ 0 = 0 since 𝑥 is an odd function

1 𝑐+2𝐿 𝑛𝜋𝑥 1 𝜋 𝑛𝜋𝑥 1 𝜋

𝑎𝑛 = 𝐿 ∫𝑐 𝑓(𝑥) cos ( ) 𝑑𝑥 = 𝜋 ∫−𝜋 𝑥 cos ( ) 𝑑𝑥 = 𝜋 ∫−𝜋 𝑥 cos 𝑛𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 0 since 𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑛𝑥 is odd
𝐿 𝜋
(It can be verified that 𝑎𝑛 = 0 using integration by parts.)

1 𝐿 𝑛𝜋𝑥 1 𝜋 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑏𝑛 = 𝐿 ∫−𝐿 𝑓(𝑥) sin ( ) 𝑑𝑥 = 𝜋 ∫−𝜋 𝑥 sin ( ) 𝑑𝑥
𝐿 𝜋
1 𝜋
= 𝜋 ∫−𝜋 𝑥 sin 𝑛𝑥 𝑑𝑥
 1 𝜋
= 𝜋 ∙ 2 ∫0 𝑥 sin 𝑛𝑥 𝑑𝑥 since 𝑥 sin 𝑛𝑥 is an even function

Applying integration by parts with 𝑢=𝑥, 𝑑𝑣 = sin 𝑛𝑥 𝑑𝑥 , we have

𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑛𝑥
𝑑𝑢 = 𝑑𝑥 , 𝑣 = − 𝑛

𝜋 −𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑛𝑥 𝜋 𝜋 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑛𝑥
∫0 𝑥 sin 𝑛𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑛
] − ∫0 − 𝑛
𝑑𝑥
0
−𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑛𝑥 𝜋 1 𝜋
= ] + 𝑛 ∫0 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑛𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑛0
−𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑛𝑥 𝜋 1 sin 𝑛𝑥 𝜋
= ] +𝑛∙ ]
𝑛 0 𝑛 0
−𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑛𝑥 sin 𝑛𝑥 𝜋
= + ]
𝑛 𝑛2 0
−𝜋 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑛𝜋 sin 𝑛𝜋 −0 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑛0 sin 𝑛0
=( + )−( + )
𝑛 𝑛2 𝑛 𝑛2
−𝜋 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑛𝜋
= +0+0−0
𝑛
−𝜋
= (−1)𝑛 since 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑛𝜋 = (−1)𝑛 , 𝑛 is an integer
𝑛
𝜋
= 𝑛 (−1)𝑛+1
1 𝜋 1 𝜋 2
Thus , 𝑏𝑛 =𝜋 ∙ 2 ∫0 𝑥 sin 𝑛𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 𝜋 ∙ 2 ∙ (−1)𝑛+1 = (−1)𝑛+1
𝑛 𝑛

2
We obtained 𝑎0 = 0, 𝑎𝑛 = 0 and 𝑏𝑛 = (−1)𝑛+1 . Hence, the Fourier series is
𝑛
1 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑥 = 𝑎0 + ∑+∞
𝑛=1 [𝑎𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 ( ) + 𝑏𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )]
2 𝐿 𝐿
1 𝑛𝜋𝑥 2 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑥 = (0) + ∑+∞
𝑛=1 [(0) 𝑐𝑜𝑠 ( ) + (−1)𝑛+1 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )]
2 𝜋 𝑛 𝜋
2
𝑥 = ∑+∞
𝑛=1 (−1)𝑛+1 sin 𝑛𝑥
𝑛
2 sin 𝑛𝑥
𝑥 = ∑+∞
𝑛=1 (−1)
𝑛+1
𝑛

0, −5 < 𝑥 < 0
Example 2: Find the Fourier series of the function whose definition in one period is 𝑓(𝑥) = { .
3, 0 < 𝑥 < 5
Solution:

“square wave”

The period is 2𝐿 = 10 , so 𝐿 = 5. Choose 𝑐 = −5 so that the interval 𝑐 to 𝑐 + 2𝐿 is -5 to 5.

The Fourier coefficients are
1 𝑐+2𝐿 0𝜋𝑥 1 5 1 0 5 1 1
𝑎0 = 𝐿 ∫𝑐 𝑓(𝑥) cos ( ) 𝑑𝑥 = 5 ∫−5 𝑓(𝑥)𝑑𝑥 = 5 [∫−5 0 𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 3 𝑑𝑥] = 5 ∙ 3𝑥]50 = 5 (15 − 0) = 3
𝐿

1 𝑐+2𝐿 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑎𝑛 = 𝐿 ∫𝑐 𝑓(𝑥) cos ( ) 𝑑𝑥
𝐿
1 5 𝑛𝜋𝑥
= 5 ∫−5 𝑓(𝑥) cos ( ) 𝑑𝑥
5
1 0 𝑛𝜋𝑥 5 𝑛𝜋𝑥
= 5 [∫−5 0 cos ( ) 𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 3 cos ( ) 𝑑𝑥]
5 5
3 5 𝑛𝜋𝑥
= 5 ∫0 cos ( ) 𝑑𝑥
5
 3 5 𝑛𝜋𝑥 5
= 5 ∙ 𝑛𝜋 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ]
5 0
3
=𝑛𝜋 [sin 𝑛𝜋 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛0] sin 𝑛𝜋 = 0 for any integer 𝑛
𝑎𝑛 = 0 , if 𝑛 ≠ 0

1 𝑐+2𝐿 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑏𝑛 = 𝐿 ∫𝑐 𝑓(𝑥) sin ( ) 𝑑𝑥
𝐿
1 5 𝑛𝜋𝑥
= 5 ∫−5 𝑓(𝑥) sin ( ) 𝑑𝑥
5
1 0 𝑛𝜋𝑥 5 𝑛𝜋𝑥
=5 [∫−5 0 sin ( ) 𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 3 sin ( ) 𝑑𝑥]
5 5
3 5 𝑛𝜋𝑥
= 5 ∫0 sin ( ) 𝑑𝑥
5
3 −5 𝑛𝜋𝑥 5
= 5 ∙ 𝑛𝜋 𝑐𝑜𝑠 ]
5 0
3
=− 𝑛𝜋 [cos 𝑛𝜋 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠0]
3
=− 𝑛𝜋 [(−1)𝑛 − 1] 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑛𝜋 = (−1)𝑛 , 𝑛 is an integer
3
𝑏𝑛 =𝑛𝜋 [1 − (−1)𝑛 ]

The Fourier series is

1 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑎0 + ∑+∞
𝑛=1 [𝑎𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 ( ) + 𝑏𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )]
2 𝐿 𝐿
1 𝑛𝜋𝑥 3 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑓 (𝑥) = (3) + ∑+∞
𝑛=1 [(0) 𝑐𝑜𝑠 ( )+ [1 − (−1)𝑛 ] 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )]
2 5 𝑛𝜋 5
3 3 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑓(𝑥) = 2 + ∑+∞ 𝑛
𝑛=1 𝑛𝜋 [1 − (−1) ] 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( 5 )

Example 3: Find the Fourier series of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 2 , 0 < 𝑥 < 2𝜋.
Solution:

The period is 2𝐿 = 2𝜋 , and 𝐿 = 𝜋. Choosing 𝑐 = 0 , we have

2𝜋
1 𝑐+2𝐿 0 𝜋𝑥 1 2𝜋 1 𝑥3 1 8𝜋 3 8𝜋 2
𝑎0 = 𝐿 ∫𝑐 𝑓(𝑥) cos ( ) 𝑑𝑥 = 𝜋 ∫0 𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥 = 𝜋 ∙ ] = 𝜋[ − 0] =
𝐿 3 0 3 3

1 𝑐+2𝐿 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑎𝑛 = 𝐿 ∫𝑐 𝑓(𝑥) cos ( ) 𝑑𝑥
𝐿
1 2𝜋 𝑛𝜋𝑥
=𝜋 ∫0 𝑥 2 cos ( ) 𝑑𝑥
𝜋
1 2𝜋
=𝜋 ∫0 𝑥 2 cos 𝑛𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Using integration by parts twice or tabular integration , we obtain
2𝜋
1 𝑥 2 sin 𝑛𝑥 2𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑛𝑥 2 sin 𝑛𝑥
=𝜋 [ + − ]
𝑛 𝑛2 𝑛3 0
 1 4𝜋 2 sin 2𝑛𝜋 4𝜋 𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝑛𝜋 2 sin 2𝑛𝜋 2 sin 0
=𝜋 [ + − −0−0+ ] 𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝑛𝜋 = 0, 𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝑛𝜋 = 1
𝑛 𝑛2 𝑛3 𝑛3
1 4𝜋
=𝜋 [ 𝑛 2 ]
4
𝑎𝑛 = 𝑛2 , if 𝑛 ≠ 0

1 𝑐+2𝐿 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑏𝑛 = 𝐿 ∫𝑐 𝑓(𝑥) sin ( ) 𝑑𝑥
𝐿
1 2𝜋 𝑛𝜋𝑥
=𝜋 ∫0 𝑥 2 sin ( ) 𝑑𝑥
𝜋
1 2𝜋
= 𝜋 ∫0 𝑥 2 sin 𝑛𝑥 𝑑𝑥
2𝜋
1 −𝑥 2 cos 𝑛𝑥 2𝑥 sin 𝑛𝑥 2 cos 𝑛𝑥
=𝜋 [ + + ]
𝑛 𝑛2 𝑛3 0
1 −4𝜋2 cos 2𝑛𝜋 4𝜋 𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝑛𝜋 2 cos 2𝑛𝜋 2 cos 0
=𝜋 [ + + +0−0− ]
𝑛 𝑛2 𝑛3 𝑛3
1 4𝜋 2 2 2
= 𝜋 [− + 𝑛3 − 𝑛3 ]
𝑛
4𝜋
𝑏𝑛 = − 𝑛

Thus, the Fourier series is

1 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑎0 + ∑+∞
𝑛=1 [𝑎𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 ( ) + 𝑏𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )]
2 𝐿 𝐿
1 8𝜋 2 4 𝑛𝜋𝑥 4𝜋 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑥2 = ( ) + ∑+∞
𝑛=1 [ 𝑐𝑜𝑠 ( )+− 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )]
2 3 𝑛2 𝜋 𝑛 𝜋
4𝜋 2 4 4𝜋
𝑥2 = + ∑+∞
𝑛=1 [ 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑛𝑥 − sin 𝑛𝑥]
3 𝑛2 𝑛

−4, −𝜋 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 0
Example 4: Determine the Fourier series of the function 𝑓(𝑥) = {
4, 0 < 𝑥 ≤ 𝜋
Solution:

“square wave”

The period is 2𝐿 = 2𝜋 , and 𝐿 = 𝜋. Choose 𝑐 = −𝜋.

The Fourier coefficients are
1 𝑐+2𝐿 0 𝜋𝑥 1 𝜋 1 0 𝜋
𝑎0 = 𝐿 ∫𝑐 𝑓(𝑥) cos ( ) 𝑑𝑥 = 𝜋 ∫−𝜋 𝑓(𝑥)𝑑𝑥 = 𝜋 [∫−𝜋 −4 𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 4 𝑑𝑥 ]
𝐿
1
=𝜋 {−4𝑥]0−𝜋 + 4𝑥]𝜋0 }
1
= 𝜋 {−4𝜋 + 4𝜋}
𝑎0 = 0
 1 𝑐+2𝐿 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑎𝑛 = 𝐿 ∫𝑐 𝑓(𝑥) cos ( ) 𝑑𝑥
𝐿
1 𝜋 𝑛𝜋𝑥
=𝜋 ∫−𝜋 𝑓(𝑥) cos ( ) 𝑑𝑥
𝜋
1 𝜋
= 𝜋 ∫−𝜋 𝑓(𝑥) cos 𝑛𝑥 𝑑𝑥
1 0 𝜋
=𝜋 [∫−𝜋 −4 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑛𝑥 𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 4 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑛𝑥 𝑑𝑥]
1 4 0 4 𝜋
= 𝜋 {− 𝑛 sin 𝑛𝑥] + 𝑛 sin 𝑛𝑥] }
−𝜋 0
1 4 4 4 4
= 𝜋 {− 𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛0 + 𝑛 sin (−𝑛𝜋) + 𝑛 sin 𝑛𝜋 − 𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛0} sin(𝑛𝜋) = 0
1
=𝜋 {0}
𝑎𝑛 = 0

1 𝑐+2𝐿 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑏𝑛 = 𝐿 ∫𝑐 𝑓(𝑥) sin ( ) 𝑑𝑥
𝐿
1 𝜋 𝑛𝜋𝑥
=𝜋 ∫−𝜋 𝑓(𝑥) sin ( ) 𝑑𝑥
𝜋
1 𝜋
= ∫−𝜋 𝑓(𝑥) sin 𝑛𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝜋
1 0 𝜋
=𝜋 [∫−𝜋 −4 sin 𝑛𝑥 𝑑𝑥 + ∫0 4 sin 𝑛𝑥 𝑑𝑥]
1 4 0 4 𝜋
=𝜋 {𝑛 cos 𝑛𝑥] − 𝑛 cos 𝑛𝑥] }
−𝜋 0
1 4 4 4 4
=𝜋 {𝑛 + 𝑛 cosnπ − 𝑛 cos 𝑛𝜋 + 𝑛}
1 8 8
=𝜋 {𝑛 − 𝑛 cos 𝑛𝜋}
8
=𝑛𝜋 {1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑛𝜋} 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑛𝜋 = (−1)𝑛
8
𝑏𝑛 = {1 − (−1)𝑛 }
𝑛𝜋

The Fourier series is

1 𝑛𝜋𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑎0 + ∑+∞
𝑛=1 [𝑎𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑠 ( ) + 𝑏𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )]
2 𝐿 𝐿
1 𝑛𝜋𝑥 8 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑓 (𝑥) = (0) + ∑+∞
𝑛=1 [(0) 𝑐𝑜𝑠 ( )+ {1 − (−1)𝑛 } 𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )]
2 𝜋 𝑛𝜋 𝜋
8
𝑓 (𝑥) = ∑+∞ 𝑛
𝑛=1{1 − (−1) } sin 𝑛𝑥
𝑛𝜋

Note:
The Fourier series corresponding to an odd function consists of sine terms only (𝑎𝑛 = 0), and the
Fourier series corresponding to an even function consists of cosine terms only (𝑏𝑛 = 0)and possibly a
constant which is considered a cosine term.

5.3 Half-Range Fourier Sine or Cosine Series

A half-range Fourier sine or cosine series is a series in which only sine or cosine terms are present,
respectively.
When a half-range series corresponding to a given function is desired, the function is generally defined
in the interval (0, 𝐿) which is half of the interval (−𝐿, 𝐿), and then the function is specified as odd or even,
so that it is clearly defined in the other half (−𝐿, 0)

2 𝐿 𝑛𝜋𝑥
For half-range Fourier sine series: 𝑎𝑛 = 0, 𝑏𝑛 = 𝐿 ∫0 𝑓(𝑥) sin 𝑑𝑥
𝐿

2 𝐿 𝑛𝜋𝑥
For half-range Fourier cosine series: 𝑏𝑛 = 0, 𝑎𝑛 = 𝐿 ∫0 𝑓(𝑥) cos 𝑑𝑥
𝐿
Example 1: Expand 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥, 0 < 𝑥 < 2 in a half-range Fourier sine series.
Solution:
We extend the definition of the given function to that of an odd function of period 4. This is called the
odd extension of 𝑓.
Extend 0 < 𝑥 < 2 to −2 < 𝑥 < 2 so that 2𝐿 = 4 and 𝐿 = 2.

“sawtooth wave”

odd extension

𝑎𝑛 = 0

2 𝐿 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑏𝑛 = 𝐿 ∫0 𝑓(𝑥) sin 𝑑𝑥
𝐿
2 2 𝑛𝜋𝑥
=2 ∫0 𝑥 sin 2 𝑑𝑥
2 𝑛𝜋𝑥
=∫0 𝑥 sin 2 𝑑𝑥
𝑛𝜋𝑥
Using integration by parts with 𝑢 = 𝑥 , 𝑑𝑣 = sin 𝑑𝑥 , we get
2
2 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑑𝑢 = 𝑑𝑥 , 𝑣=− 𝑐𝑜𝑠
𝑛𝜋 2
−2𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 2
2 2 𝑛𝜋𝑥
= 𝑛𝜋 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 ] − ∫0 − 𝑛𝜋 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑑𝑥
0
−2𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 4 𝑛𝜋𝑥 2
= 𝑛𝜋 𝑐𝑜𝑠 + 𝑛2 𝜋2 sin ]
2 2 0
−4 4
= [ 𝑛𝜋 cos 𝑛𝜋 + 𝑛2 𝜋2 sin𝑛𝜋] − [0 + 0]
−4
= 𝑛𝜋 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑛𝜋
−4
= 𝑛𝜋 (−1)𝑛
4
𝑏𝑛 = 𝑛𝜋 (−1)𝑛+1

4 𝑛𝜋𝑥
The half-range Fourier sine series is 𝑥 = ∑+∞
𝑛=1(−1)
𝑛+1
𝑠𝑖𝑛 ( )
𝑛𝜋 2

Example 2: Expand 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥, 0 < 𝑥 < 2 in a half-range Fourier cosine series

Solution:
We extend the definition of the given function to that of an even function of period 4. This is called the
even extension of 𝑓.
Extend 0 < 𝑥 < 2 to −2 < 𝑥 < 2 so that 2𝐿 = 4 and 𝐿 = 2
“triangular wave”

even extension

𝑏𝑛 = 0

2 𝐿 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑎𝑛 = 𝐿 ∫0 𝑓(𝑥) cos 𝑑𝑥
𝐿
2 2 𝑛𝜋𝑥
= 2 ∫0 𝑥 cos 𝑑𝑥
2
2 𝑛𝜋𝑥
= ∫0 𝑥 cos 𝑑𝑥
2
𝑛𝜋𝑥
Applying integration by parts with 𝑢 = 𝑥 , 𝑑𝑣 = cos 𝑑𝑥 , we have
2
2 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑑𝑢 = 𝑑𝑥 , 𝑣 = 𝑛𝜋 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2
2𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 2
2 2 𝑛𝜋𝑥
= 𝑛𝜋 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2 ] − ∫0 𝑛𝜋 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2 𝑑𝑥
0
2𝑥 𝑛𝜋𝑥 4 𝑛𝜋𝑥 2
= 𝑛𝜋 𝑠𝑖𝑛 + 𝑛2 𝜋2 cos ]
2 2 0
4 4 4
=[𝑛𝜋 sin 𝑛𝜋 + 𝑛2 𝜋2 cos𝑛𝜋] − [0 + 𝑛2𝜋2 cos0]
4 4
= 𝑛2 𝜋2 cos𝑛𝜋 − 𝑛2 𝜋2
4
=𝑛2 𝜋2 {𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑛𝜋 − 1}
4
𝑎𝑛 = 𝑛2 𝜋2 {(−1)𝑛 − 1} if 𝑛 ≠ 0

2
2 2 𝑥2
If 𝑛 = 0: 𝑎0 = ∫0 𝑥 cos 0 𝑑𝑥 = ∫0 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 2 ] = 2
0

The half-range Fourier cosine series is

1 4 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑓 (𝑥) = (2) + ∑+∞
𝑛=1 {(−1)𝑛 − 1} 𝑐𝑜𝑠 ( )
2 𝑛2 𝜋2 2
4 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑥 = 1 + ∑+∞ 𝑛
𝑛=1{(−1) − 1} 𝑐𝑜𝑠 ( )
𝑛2 𝜋2 2

IN-TEXT ACTIVITY

1. Fourier Series https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/classes/de/fourierseries.aspx

2. Additional Lecture

REFERENCES

O’Neil, P. 2012. Advanced Engineering Mathematics.7th Edition. Cengage Learning.

Kreyszig, E.2011. Advanced Engineering Mathematics. 10th Edition. John Wiley and Sons.
Pennisi,L.1976 .Elements of Complex Variables.2nd Edition. Holt, Rinehart and Winston
Rainville,P. & Bedient,E.1989. Elementary Differential Equations.7th Edition.New York: Macmillan
Publishing Company
SELF-ASSESSMENT
PROBLEM SET 4
(Fourier Series)
Name: ________________________ Score: ______________
Section: ________________________ Date: ______________

Solve the following problems. Show complete solutions and box your final answers. (10 pts each)

Problem 1: Obtain the Fourier series for the function 𝑓 whose definition in one period is
𝑓(𝑥) = 4𝑥, 0 < 𝑥 < 10. Sketch the graph of 𝑓.

Problem 2: Determine the Fourier series for the function 𝑓 whose definition in one period is
8 ,0 < 𝑥 < 2
𝑓(𝑥) = { . Sketch the graph of 𝑓.
−8, 2 < 𝑥 < 4

Problem 3: Obtain the Fourier series for the function 𝑓 whose definition in one period is
𝑓(𝑥) = 2 − 𝑥, −2 < 𝑥 < 2. Sketch the graph of 𝑓.