340

College Mathematics

5.

FOURIER SERIES

5.1 Introduction
In various engineering problems it will be necessary to
express a function in a series of sines and cosines which are
periodic functions. Most of the single valued functions which are
used in applied mathematics can be expressed in the form.
1
a0 + a1 cos x + a 2 cos2x +KK
2
+ b1 sin x + b2 sin2x +KK
within a desired range of values of x. Such a series is called a
Fourier Series in the name of the French mathematician Jacques
Foureier (1768 - 1830)
5.2 Periodic Functions
Definition : If at equal intervals of the abscissa x the value of
each ordinate f(x) repeats itself then f(x) is called a periodic
function. i.e., A function f(x) is said to be a periodic function if
there exists a real number such that f(x + ) = f(x) for all x.
The number is called the period of f(x).
we have f(x) = f(x + ) = f(x + 2 ) = f(x + 3 )
= ..= f(x + n ) = .
Ex : (i) sin x = sin (x + 2 ) = sin (x +4 ) =
........= sin (x + 2n ) =
Hence sin x is a periodic function of the period 2 .
(ii) cos x = cos(x + 2 ) = cos (x + 4 ) =
.. = cos (x + 2n ) = .
Hence cos x is a periodic function of the period 2 .
We define the Fourier series in terms of these two periodic
functions.

Fourier Series
341
5.3 Fourier Series
Definition : A series of the form

a
n x
n x
f ( x) = 0 + a n cos(
) + bn sin(
)
2 n =1
l
l
n =1
is called a Fourier series of f(x) with period 2l in the interval
( c, c +2l ) where l is any positive real number and a 0, a n, bn are
given by the formulae called Eulers Formulae :
1
a0 =
l

an =

1
l

c+ 2 l

f (x ) dx ,

c+ 2 l

f ( x )cos(

n x
)dx
l

c+ 2l

n x
)dx
l
c
These coefficients a 0, a n, bn are known as Fourier coefficients.
bn =

1
l

f ( x)sin(

In particular if l = , the Fourier series of f(x) with period 2 in

the interval (c, c+2 ) is given by

a
f ( x) = 0 + an cos nx + bn sin nx
2 n =1
n =1
and the Fourier coefficients are given by
c+ 2
1
a0 =
f ( x)dx,
c

1
an =

c+ 2

f ( x) cos n dx

c+ 2

1
bn =
f ( x)sin n dx
c
We shall derive the Eulers formulae for which the following
definite integrals are required.

342

College Mathematics
c +2 l

(i)

dx = 2l

c +2 l

(ii)

cos

cos

c
c +2 l

(iii)

m x
dx =
l

c+ 2 l

sin

m x
dx = 0
l

m x
n x
sin
dx = 0 for all integers m and n
l
l

c +2 l

c+ 2 l

m x
n x
m x
n x
cos
dx = sin
sin
dx = 0
c
l
l
l
l
c
(for all integers m and n such that m n)
c +2 l
c +2 l
m x
2 m x
dx = l = sin2
dx
(v) cos
l
l
c
c
(iv)

cos

5.4 Derivation of Eulers Formulae

a
n x
n x
We have f ( x) = 0 + a n cos
+ bn sin
2 n =1
l
l
n =1
. . .(1)
To find the coefficients a0 , a n and bn , we assume that the series
(1) can be integrated term by term from x = c to x = c + 2l
To find a0, integrate (1) w.r.t x from c to c + 2l.

c +2 l

f ( x) =

a0
2

c + 2l

c + 2l

n x
dx
l

1dx + a cos
c

n=1

c
c +2 l

n =1

+ bn

n x
sin(
)dx
l

a0
( 2l ) + an (0) + bn (0)
2
n =1
n =1
= a0 (l ) (using the definite integrals (ii) above)

Fourier Series
c +2 l
1
a0 = f ( x)dx
l c

343
..
. (a)

m x
where m is a
l
fixed positive integer and integrate w.r.t x from x= c to x= c+ 2l
c+ 2 l
m x

c f ( x)cos l dx

To find an , multiply both sides of (1) by cos

a
= 0
2

c+ 2l

m x
cos
dx + an
l
n =1

+ bn
n =1

c+ 2 l

cos
c

c+ 2 l

cos

m x
n x
cos
dx
l
l

m x
n x
sin
dx
l
l

c +2 l

a0
m x
n x
(0) + an cos
cos
dx + bn (0)
2
l
l
n =1
n =1
c
[Using the definite integrals (ii) and (iii) above]
c+ 2 l

m x
n x
= an cos
cos
dx ( m n)
l
l
n=1
c

c+ 2 l

+ am

cos2

m x
dx (m = n)
l

= an (0) + am (l )
n =1

[Using the definite integrals (iv) and (v) above]

= a m (l )
c+ 2 l

1
m x
f ( x)cos
dx

l c
l
Changing m to n we get
am =

344

College Mathematics

am =

1
l

c+ 2 l

f ( x)cos

n x
dx
l

(b)

m x
where m
l
is a fixed positive integer and integrate w.r.t x from x = c to
x= c+ 2l
c +2 l
m x

c f ( x)sin l dx
To find bn, multiply both sides of (1) by sin

a
= 0
2

c+ 2l

m x
sin
dx + an
l
n =1

+ bn

c +2 l

c+ 2 l

n =1

sin

sin

m x
n x
cos
dx
l
l

m x
n x
sin
dx
l
l

Fourier Series
c+ 2 l
1
n x
bn = f ( x)sin
dx
l c
l

(b)
Thus the Eulers formulae (a), (b), (c) are proved.
Cor. 1 : In particular if l = and c = 0, we get the Fourier series

a
f ( x) = 0 + an cos nx + bn sin nx
2 n =1
n =1
where the Foureir coefficients are given by
2
1
a0 = f ( x)dx ,
0

an =

c +2 l

a
m x
n x
= 0 (0) + an (0) + bn sin
sin
dx
2
l
l
n =1
n =1
c
[Using the definite integrals (ii) and (iii) above]
c+ 2l

m x
n x
= an sin
sin
dx ( m n)
l
l
n =1
c
c+ 2l

+ bm

sin
c

c +2 l

m x
n x
sin
dx ( m = n)
l
l

m x
dx
l
c
[Using the definite integrals (iv) above]
= bm (l ) [us ing the definite integral (v)]
= 0 + bm

c+ 2 l

sin 2

1
m x
bm = f ( x )sin
dx
l c
l
Changing m to n we get

345

bn =

f ( x)cos n dx
0

f ( x)sin n dx
0

Cor. 2: In the above formulae if l = and c = , we get the

Fourier series

a
f ( x) = 0 + an cos nx + bn sin nx
2 n =1
n =1
where the Fourier coefficients are given by

1
a 0 = f (x ) dx ,

an =

1
f ( x)cos n dx

1
bn = f ( x)sin n dx

346

College Mathematics

5.5 Conditions for a Fourier series expansion

It should not be mistaken that every function can be
expanded as a Fourier series. In the above formulae we have only
shown that if f(x) is expressed as a Fourier series, then the Fourier
coefficients are given by Eulers formula. It is very cumbersome
to discuss whether a function can be expressed as a Fourier series
and to discuss the convergence of this series. However the
following condition called Dirichlets condition cover all
problems.

a
n x
n x
f ( x) = 0 + a n cos
+ bn sin
2 n =1
l
l
n =1
provided
(i)
f(x) is bounded
(ii)
f(x) is periodic, single valued and finite
(iii)
f(x) has a finite number of discontinuities in any one
period.
(iv)
f(x) has at the most a finite number of maxima and
minima.
These conditions are called Dirichlets conditions. In fact
expressing a function f(x) as a Fourier series depends on the
evaluation on the definite integrals
1
n x
1
n x
f ( x)cos
dx and f ( x)sin
dx

l
l

l
within the limits c to c + 2l, 0 to 2 or - to according as
f(x) is defined for all x in (c, c + 2l) (0, 2 ) or (- , )
5.6 Interval with 0 as mid point
If c = -l then the interval (c, c + 2l) becomes (-l, l) and
further if c = - , the interval becomes (- , ). These intervals
have 0 as the mid point. For functions defined in such intervals,
we consider the effect of changing x to x and classify them as
even and odd functions.

Fourier Series
347
5.7 Even and odd functions
A function f(x) is said to be even if f(-x) = f(x) x in the
given interval (c, c + 2l) and a function f(x) is said to be odd if
f(-x) = -f(x) x in the given interval (c, c + 2l)
5.7.1 Tests for even and odd mature of a function
If f(x) is defined by one single expression, f(-x) = f(x)
implies f (x) is even and f(-x) = -f(x) implies f(x) is odd. If f(x) is
defined by two or more expressions on parts of the given interva l
with 0 as the mid point, f(-x) from the function as defined on one
side of 0 = f(x) from the corresponding function as defined on the
other side, implies f(x) is even.
f(-x) from the function as defined on one side of 0 = -f(x)
from the corresponding function as defined on the other side,
implies f(x) is odd.
Examples :
(1) f(x) = x2 + 1 in (-1, 1)
f(-x) = (-x) 2 + 1 = x2 + 1 = f(x)
f(x) is even.
(2) f(x) = x3 in (-1, 1)
f(-x) = (-x3 ) =- x3 = - f(x)
f(x) is odd.
x + 1 in ( ,0)
(3) f ( x ) =
x 1 in (0, )
f ( x)in (0, ) = x 1 = ( x + 1) = f ( x ) i n ( ,0)
f(-x) = -f(x)
f(x) is odd
5.7.2 Fourier coefficients when f(x) is even and odd
From definite integrals, we have

348

College Mathematics
a

( x)dx = 2 ( x) dx

if ( x) is even.

( x) dx = 0 if ( x)

and

is odd.

(a) If f(x) is even in (-l, l) i.e., iff f(-x) = f(x), then

n x
f(x) cos
is also even.
l
n ( x)
n x
f(-x) cos
= f(x) cos
. Since cos(- )= cos
l
l
n x
and f(x) sin
is odd.
l
n ( x )
n x
= f ( x )sin
Q f(x) sin
since sin(- ) = -sin
l
l
l
l
1
2
a0 = f ( x)dx = f ( x)dx (by above definite integral)
l l
l 0

1
n x
2
n x
an = f ( x)cos
dx = f ( x)cos
dx
l l
l
l 0
l
l

1
n x
f ( x)sin
dx = 0

l l
l

Fourier Series
n x
f(x) cos
is also odd in (-l, l)
l
n ( x )
n x
= f ( x )cos
Q f ( x )cos
l
l
n x
and f ( x)sin
is even in (-l, l)
l
n ( x )
n x
f ( x )sin
= f ( x )sin
l
l
l
1
a0 = f ( x)dx
l l

an =

1
n x
f ( x )cos
dx = 0

l l
l

bn =

1
n x
2
n x
f ( x)sin
dx = f ( x)sin
dx

l l
l
l 0
l

349

If the interval is (-, ) then a0 = 0, an = 0

x
2
bn = f ( x )sin nxdx
0

bn =

2
2
n x
f (x )dx + f ( x)cos
dx

l 0
l0
l
In this case if the interval is (- , ) we get

2
a 0 = f ( x)dx
0
l

f ( x) =

an =

2
f ( x )cos nxdx
0

bn = 0
(b) If f(x) is odd in (-l, l) i.e., if f( -x) = -f(x) then

5.7.3 Intervals with 0 as an end point

Intervals like (0, 2l) and (0, 2 ) with 0 as end point have
special features.

and
= 0 if (2 a x ) = ( x)
f(2l - x) = f(x)
l

Then

( x)dx = 2 ( x) dx if (2a x) = ( x)

We know that

If

2a

2
a 0 = f (x ) dx
l 0

350

College Mathematics

Fourier Series

an =

2
n x
f ( x)cos
dx

l 0
l

bn = 0
Similarly if l = , i.e., if the interval is (0, 2) we get

2
a0 = f ( x)dx
0

an =

2
f ( x)cos nx dx
0

bn = 0
If
f(2l x) = -f(x) then
l
2
n x
dx
a0 = 0, an = 0, bn = f ( x)sin
l 0
l
Similarly If f(2 - x) = -f(x) then

2
a0 = 0, an = 0, bn = f ( x )sin nxdx
0
WORKED EXAMPLES
1) Find the Fourier coefficient a0 for f(x) = x sinx in (0, 2 )
(May 2003)
2
1
a0 = xsin xdx
0
1
= [ x ( cos x ) + cos x.1dx ]

1
= [ x cos x + sin x]20 = 2

2) Find the coefficient a 0 for f(x) = x-1 in (-,)

(A 1999)
a0 =

( x 1)dx

351

1 x2
x
2

2
1 2

1
= +
2
2

= -2
for
2 < x <0
=

0
3) If
for
0<x<2
1
find the Fourier coefficient an in the fourier series.
L
1
n x
a n = f ( x )cos
dx
L L
L

1
1
n x
0dx + 1.cos(
)dx

2 2
20
2
0

n x
)
2 = 1 [sin( n ) 0] = 0

n
n

2
0
2

1
2

sin(

4) Obtain the Fourier series for f(x) = x-1 in the interval (-, ).
(A 1999)
Solution :
x
x
1
1
a0 = f ( x)dx = ( x 1) dx
x
x
x

1
1
xdx = dx

x
x
1

1
= 0 ( x ) = [2 ] = 2

a0 = 2
=

352

1
an = f ( x)cos nxdx

College Mathematics

1
( x 1)cos nxdx

1
x
cos
nx

cos nxdx

1
= 0 2 cos nxdx

1
bn = f ( x)sin nxdx

1
= ( x 1)sin nxdx

1
x sin nx sin nxdx

1
= 2 x sin nxdx 0
0

bn = 0

a0 =

2 cos nx
cos nx
= x

dx
n

n 0

353

2
2(1)n +1
= +0 +
sin nx
2 n =1
n
n =1

( 1) n +1
f ( x) = 1 + 2
sin nx is the required Fourier series
n
n =1
5) Expand f(x) = x2 as a Fourier series in the interval (- , ) and
1 1 1
2
hence show that (i) 2 2 + 2 + K =
1 2 3
12
1 1 1
2
(ii) 2 + 2 + 2 + K =
(A 1999)
1 2 3
6
Solution :
f(x) = x2
f ( x) = ( x ) 2 = x 2 = f ( x )
f ( x ) is even in ( , )

1 2sin x
=
n 0
2 sin nx sin0
=

=0
n
n

2 x cos nx
sin nx
=
+ 2

n
n 0

Fourier Series
2 cos n

=
+ 0 ( 0 + 0)

n

n +1
2cos n
2
2( 1)
=
= ( 1) n =
n
n
n
Fourier series is given by

a
f ( x) = 0 + an cos nx + b n sin nx
2 n =1
n =1

1
1
f (x ) dx = x 2 dx

2
2 x3
2 3 2 2
= x 2 dx = =
=
0
3 0 3
3
1
an =

f ( x)cos nxdx

354

College Mathematics

1
2
x 2 cos nxdx = x2 cos nxdx Q x2 cos nx is even

2 sin nx
cos nx sin nx
= x2
2x
+ 2

2
3

n
n
n
0
2 sin n
cosn
sin n
= 2
+ 2
2
0
2

n
n
n 3

2
(1)n
0
+
2

n
4(1)
i. e, an =
n2
Foureir series is

a
f ( x) = 0 + a n cos nx + b n sin nx
2 n =1
n =1
=

=
f ( x) =

4( 1)
+
cos nx + 0
3 n =1 n 2
2

2 4( 1) n
+
cos nx is the required Fourier series.
3 n =1 n 2

1 1 1

2 + 2 +K =
2
1 2 3
12
Put x = 0 in the above Fourier series
x2 4( 1) n
f (0) =
+
cos0
3 n =1 n 2
2

(i) To prove

x2
( 1)n
0 = + 4 2 Q f (0) = 0 2 = 0
3
n=1 n

x2
1 1 1 1

+ 4 2 + 2 2 + 2 + K
3
1
2
3
4

2
x
1 1 1 1

i.e, 0 = 4 2 2 + 2 2 + K
3
1 2 3 4

i.e, 0 =

Fourier Series
2
1 1 1 1

4 2 2 + 2 2 + K =
1 2 3 4
3

1 1 1 1
2

+
K
=
12 22 32 42
12
1 1 1
2
(ii) To prove that 2 + 2 + 2 + K =
1 2 3
6
Put x = in the Fourier series of f(x)
2 4(1)n
f ( ) =
+
cos n
3 n =1 n 2
2 4( 1)n
i.e, 2 =
+
(1)n
3 n =1 n 2

2 4
+ 2 (1)2 n
3 n =1 n

2
1
+ 4 2 Q(1)2 n = 1
3
n =1 n

1
2
4 2 = 2
3
n =1 n

2
1 1 1

i.e. , 4 2 + 2 + 2 + K = 2
3
1 2 3

2
1 1 1

2 + 2 + 2 + K=
1 2 3
6
6) Obtain the Fourier series for f(x) = ex in ( , )
Solution :

1
1
a 0 = f (x ) dx = e x dx

1
= e x

1
= e e

355

356

1
an = f ( x)cos n dx

ax
e cos bxdx =

eax ( a cos bx + b sin bx )

a 2 + b2

e x (cos nx + n sin nx )

12 + n 2

x
x
1 e cos n e cos nx) (1)n ( ex e x )
=
=

12 + n2
(1 + n2 )

(as sin n = 0 = sin( n ) and cos n = (1)n ) )

1
an =

bn =

1
f ( x)sin n dx

1
ex sin n dx

We know that

ax
e sin bxdx =

ea x ( a sin bx b cos bx)

a 2 + b2

e x (sin nx n cos nx)

12 + n 2

n e cos n e cos( nx) n e (1)n e ( 1) n

=

12 + n2
(1 + n2 )

n (1) ( e e )
=
(1 + n 2 )
Fourier series is

a
f ( x) = 0 + an cos nx + b n sin nx
2 n =1
n =1

1
bn =

n (1)n ( e e )
sin n
(1 + n 2 )
n =1

e e
( 1) n 2cos n (1)n 2sin n
f
(
x
)
=
1
+
+
i.e.,

2 n =1
1 + n2
1 + n2
n =1

1
= e xc os n dx

We know that

Fourier Series

1
( 1) n (e e )
=
( e e ) +
cos n
2
(1 + n 2 )
n =1

College Mathematics

(1)n 2cos n ( 1) n 2n sin n

1
+

1 + n2
1 + n2
n =1
n =1

e e
as sinh =

7) Obtain the Fourier series for f(x) = x in ( , ) and prove

1 1 1

that 1 + K =
3 5 7
4
Solution :

1
a 0 = f (x )dx

sinh
2

1
=

1 x2
xdx
=
=0

1
an = x cos nxdx

1 sin nx
cos nx
= x
1(
)

n
n2

1 sin n cos n
sin( n ) cos n
+
+

2

n
n
n
n 2
1 ( 1) n ( 1) n
= 0 + 2 2 = 0

n
n
=

357

358

1
bn = f ( x)sin nxdx

College Mathematics

1
x sin nxdx

2
x sin nxdx Q x sin nx is even
0

cos nx
sin nx
)
1(
x
n
n2

2 cos n sin n

+ 2 (0 + 0)

n
n

n
n +1
2 ( 1)
2( 1)
=
=

n
n
Fourier series is

a
f ( x) = 0 + a n cos nx + b n sin nx
2 n =1
n =1
=

( 1)n +1 2sin nx
n
n =0

= 0+ 0 +

( 1)n +1 2sin nx
is the Fourier series.
n
n=1

f ( x) =

in the Fourier series

2
n
( 1) n +1 2sin

2
f =
n
2 n =0
n
(1)n +1 2sin

2 since sin n = 0 if n is even.

=
n
2
n =1,3,5

Put x =

Fourier Series
3
5

sin 2 sin 2 sin 2

= 2
+
+
+ K
2
3
5
1

1 1 1
= 1 + +K
4
3 5 7
1 1 1

ie.,1 + +K =
3 5 7
4
8) Find the Fourier series for e-x in the interval (-l, l)
Solution :
l
l
1
1 x
a 0 = f (x ) dx = e dx
l l
l l
l
1
= e x
l
l
1
= e l e l
l
l
e el 2sin hl
=
=
l
l
l
1
n x
a n = f ( x)cos
dx
l l
l

1
n x
= e x cos
dx
l l
l
l

n x n
n x
x
e ( cos
+
sin
)

1
l
l
l l
=
2
l
n
( 1)2 +

l
l

359

360
College Mathematics
n
n
l

e ( cos n +
sin n ) el ( cos n
sin n )

1
l
l

=
2
l
n
(1) +

l
1 ( 1)n (el el )
=
l
l l 2 + n 2 2

1
l (1)n 2sinh l
n
l
l
(

1)
(
e

e
)
=
l 2 + n2 2
l 2 + n 2 2
l
1
n x
bn = f ( x)sin
dx
l l
l
=

1
n x
= e x sin
dx
l l
l
l

n x n
n x
el ( sin

cos
)
1
l
l
l
=
2

l
n
2
( 1) +

l
l

n
n
e ( sin n
cos n ) el (sin n
cos n )
1
l
l
=

n 2 2
l

1+ 2

l
l n
n
l
n 2
e
( 1) + e n l ( 1) l

l
1

=
2
2 2
l
l +n
2
n n
l
l ( 1)
(e e l )
1
(1)n n 2sinh l
l
=
=
l
l 2 + n2 2
l 2 + n 2 2

Fourier series is

Fourier Series

a
n x
n x
f ( x) = 0 + a n cos
+ bn sin
2 n =1
l
l
n =1

sinh l ( 1)n 2l sinh l

n x
+ 2
cos
2 2
l
l +n
l
n =1
n

( 1) 2 n sinh l
n x
+
sin
2
2 2
l +n
l
n =1
n
2

sinh l
( 1) 2l
n x
i.e., f ( x) =
[1 + 2 2 2 cos
l
l
n =1 l + n
n

( 1) 2n l
n x
+ 2
sin
2 2
l
n =1 l + n
9) Expand f(x) = x sinx, 0 <x < 2 in a fourier series
f ( x) =

1
a0 =

1
an =

xsinxdx = [x cos x + sin x]

2
0

= 2

xsinx.cos nxdx
0

1
x(sin(n+1)x -sin(n-1)xdx
2 0
1
cos( n + 1) x cos(n 1) x
=
[ x (
+
)
2
n +1
n 1
cos(n + 1) x cos(n 1) x
(
+
)dx]
n +1
n 1
1
1
1
2
=
[2 (
+
)] = 2
2
n +1 n 1
n 1
=

bn =
=

1
x sin x.sin nxdx

1
2

x(cos(1 n )x cos(1+ n)x )dx

361

362
College Mathematics
1
sin(1 n ) x sin(1 + n ) x
sin(1 n )x sin(1 + n) x
= x(
)

dx

2
1n
1+ n
1n
1 + n
2

cos(1 n) x cos(1 + n ) x
0 + (1 n) 2 (1 + n )2 = 0

0
2
f ( x) = 1 + 2
cos nx
n 1

Note : When x = we derive that

2
1
1
1
+2

+
K =
1.3 3.5 5.7
4
10) Find the fourier series for the periodic function f ( x) = x in
(-l, l)
Given f ( x) = x which is even
1
=
2

The fourier series is

f ( x) =

Fourier Series
363
2
2
2
l
l
= 0 + 2 2 cos(n ) 2 2
l
n
n
2l
2l
= 2 2 (cos n 1) = 2 2 (( 1) n 1)
n
n
l
2l
n x
f ( x ) = + 2 2 (( 1) n 1)cos

2
n
l
for 0 x <
x
11) Expand f ( x ) =
as a fourier
for x < 2
2 x
series.

2
1
1
a 0 = xdx + (2 x )
0

a0
n x
+ an cos(
)
2
l
1

1 2

1
2
+ [(4 2 2 2) (2 2 )]
2
2

l
2
2 x2
a 0 = xdx = = l
l 0
l 2 0

+ =
2 2

1
1
a n = x cos nxdx +
0

2
n x
f ( x)cos
dx

l 0
l

2
n x
= x cos(
) dx
l 0
l
l

n x
n x

sin(
)
sin(
)
2
l sin
l dx
= x.

n
n
l

l
l

1
x2
+
(2

an =

2 lx
n x
l2
n x
sin(
)
+
cos(
)

2 2
l n
l
n
l 0

(2 x)cos nxdx

1 x sin( nx)
sin(nx)

dx

n
n

1
sin nx
sin nx
+ (2 x)
+
.dx

n
n

1 cos nx
1 cos nx
= 0 + 2 + 0

n 0
n2
=

1
1 1 ( 1) n
n

1)

1
+
n2 + n2
n2

364
College Mathematics
2
= 2 ( 1)n 1
n

2
1
1
bn = x sin nxdx + (2 x)sin nxdx
0

1 x cos nx
cos nx
+
dx

n
n
0

1
cos nx cos nx
+ (2 x)
.dx
+

n n

1 cos nx
1 cos nx
=
+
=0

n 0 n
The fourier series is

2
f ( x ) = + 2 ((1)n 1)cos nx + 0
2
n

2
= + 2 ((1)n 1)cos nx.
2
n
12) Find a fourier series for the function
< x < 0
1

f ( x) = 0
x=0
1
0 < x <

1
a0 = f (x )dx

=

1dx +

1
1
1dx = [ + ] = 0
0

an =

1
f ( x)cos( nx) dx

0

1
1
cos nxdx + 1.cos nxdx

Fourier Series
1 sin nx sin nx
=
+

n
n
1
= (0) = 0

1
bn = f ( x)sin( nx) dx

365

1
1
(1)sin nxdx + 1.sin nxdx

0
0

1 cos nx
cos nx
=
+

n
n
0
1
=
[1 cos n cos n + 1]
n
2
=
(1 ( 1) n )
n
bn is zero for n = 2, 4, 6, . . .
4
and bn =
for n = 1, 3, 5, . .
n
Required fourier series
4
f ( x) = 0 + 0.cos nx +
.sin nx
n
4
sin3x

= sin x +
+ ...

Note : when x =
2
4 1 1

f ( x ) = 1 = 1 + +....
3 5

1 1
= 1 + +...
4
3 5
13) Find the Fourier series for 1 cos x in the interval

366
College Mathematics
- < x <
Let f ( x ) = 1 cos x . It is an even function
a
f ( x) = 0 + a nc os nx; bn = 0
2

2
2
x
a0 = 1 cos xdx = . 2 sin dx
0

cos

2 2
4 2
2
=
1 =

2 0

an =

2
2 2
x
1 cos x .cos nxdx =
sin .cos nxdx

0
0
2

2 2 1
x
x
{sin( + nx) + sin( nx)}dx

02
2
2

1
1

cos(n + ) x cos( n ) x

2
2 +
2
=

1
1

n+
n

2
2 0

2
1
1
=

(0 + 0) +
1
1

n+
n

2
2
1
1

n n
2
2
2
=

1
n2

4 2

1
4n2 1

Fourier Series
367
2 2 4 2
1
f ( x) =

4n 2 1 c os nx

14) If a is not an integer show that for - <x <

2sin ax sin x 2sin2 x 3sin3x

sin ax =
2
+ 2
+ K
2
2
2
2

2 a
3 a
1 a

Since f(x) = sin ax is an odd function, a0 & an are equal to zero.

1
bn = sinax.sinn xdx

2 1
(cos(n -a ) x cos(n + a) x) dx
0 2

1 sin(n a) x sin( n + a) x

n a
n + a 0
1 cos n sin a cos n sin a
=

na
na
cos n sin a 2 n
=
n2 a 2

cos n sin a 2 n
sin ax =
n 2 a 2 sin nx

2sin a
n cos n .sin ax
=
n2 a 2

2cos n sin a sin x 2sin2x 3sin3x

=
2
+ 2
+ K
2
2
2
2

2 a
3 a
1 a

Exercise :
I A.
1. Define a Fourier series
2. Write the empherical formulae for the fourier coefficients.
3. Write the fourier series with period 2 in the interval
(c, c + 2 )
4. Derive the Eulers formulae in the interval (c, c + 2l)

368
College Mathematics
5. Write the Fourier coefficients in the interval (-l, l ) when f(x) is
a) even and b) odd.
6. Mention dirichlets conditions.
7. Find the fourier coefficient a0 for the following functions : (i)
f(x) = x2 in - < x <
(ii)
f ( x) = x2 in l <x <l
0< x<
x
(iii)
f (x) =
< x < 2
2 x
f ( x) = x
(iv)
- <x <
(v)
f ( x) = cos x in x
(vi)

f ( x) = 0
1

< x < 0
x=0
0< x<

2x
< x 0
1 +
(vi) f ( x) =
1 2x
0< x <

8. Find the fourier coefficients a n and bn for the above
problems.
(2 marks for each constants)
B . 1. Find the Fourier series for
a) f(x) = x2 in - <x < . Hence deduce
1 1
2
1+ 2 + 2 + K =
3 5
8
in < x 0
x
b) f ( x ) =
in 0 < x <
x
1 1 1

Hence deduce 1 + K =
3 5 7
4
c) f ( x) = x in - <x < . Hence deduce

Fourier Series
1 1
2
1+ 2 + 2 + K =
3 5
8
d) f ( x) = sin x
e) f ( x ) = 1 +

2x
, x 0

2x
, 0 x

f) f ( x ) = cos ax in x , a is not an integer.

in < x 0
x + 2
g) f ( x) =
x
in 0 x <
2
h) f ( x) = x( x)
0 x
x
in 0 < x <

2
If f ( x) =
in < x <
x
2
in 0 x 1
x
j) f ( x ) =
in 1 x 2
(2 x)
in (0, l )
x
k) f ( x ) =
in (l , 2l )
2 l
x 2
< x < 0
l) f ( x) = 2
0 < x <
x
3
m) f(x) = x in < x <
< x < 0
1
n) f ( x ) =
0< x<
0
x < 0
1
o) f ( x ) =
0< x
2
=1

369

370

College Mathematics

< x < 0
a
p) f ( x ) =
0 < x <
a
< x < 0
+ x
q) f ( x ) =
0< x<
x
x2
2
1 1 1
r) f ( x) = , < x < , Hence
= 1 + + + +K
4
6
4 9 16
II. 1 . Show that the fourier series for f(x) = 1-x2 in (-1, 1) is
2 4
(1)n
=
cos x
3
n
( Hint f(x) is even )
2. Show that the fourier series of
x
in < x

2
2
f ( x) =
is
in < x < 3
x
2
2
4
(1)n
sin(2 n + 1) x

n
3. Show that the fourier series of
+x
< x < 0
2
f ( x) =
is
x
in 0 < x <
2
sin2 x sin3x
f ( x ) = sin x +
+
+K
2
3
( Hint : f(x) is odd )
4. Show that the fourier series of
f ( x) = cos x in ( , ) is
2 4 1
1
f ( x) = + ( cos2x cos4x +)
3
15
5. If f(x ) = x + x 2 for < x < , show that
f ( x) =

Fourier Series
1 1 1
2
+
+
+
K
=
and
12 22 32
6
1 1 1
2
+
+
+
K
=
12 32 52
8
6. If f(x) =x in ( , ) , show that
1
1
f ( x) = 2(sin x sin2x + sin3x +K)
2
3
(Hint f(x) is odd)

371

Answers
2 2
2l 2
2sin
A. 7 (i)
(ii)
(iii) (iv) (v)
3
3

4
4l 2( 1)n
8. (i) a n =
, bn = 0
(ii) a n = (1)n 2 ; bn = 0
2 2
n
n
2
4
(iii) a n = 2 ((1)n 1), bn = 0 (iv) a n =
, bn = 0
n
(2 m 1)2
( 1) n sin
2
, bn = 0 (vi) a n = 0, bn =
[1 ( 1) n ]
2
2
n
n
4
n
(vii) a n = 2 2 [1 ( 1) ], bn = 0
n
B. I
2 4 cos2 x cos4 x cos6x

d) f ( x ) =
+
+
+ K
3
15
35

8
1
1

e) f ( x) = 2 cos x + cos3 x + cos5x + K

9
25

(v) a n =

1 1 2a

a 1 n2 a2
4 cos x cos3 x cos3x

g) f ( x ) = 2 +
+
+K
2
2
1
3
5

f) f ( x ) =

372

College Mathematics

cos x cos3x

h) f ( x ) = 2 8 2 +
+K
2
3
1

2
2
2
2
2 3
4
sin2 x 3
4
s i n 2x

+
2 sin x +
+
2 sin x +
+K
1
1
2
2
1 1

4 sin x sin3 x sin5 x

i)
(i) f ( x) = 2
+ 2 + K
1
32
5

4 2 cos2 x cos6 x cos10 x

(ii) f ( x ) = 2 +
+
+ K
2
2
1
3
5

4 cos x cos3 x cos3 x

j) f ( x ) = 2 +
+
+K
2 1
32
52

n +1
2l
( 1)
n x
k)
sin

n
l
2
2
2

2
4

2 4

l) 2 sin x sin2 x + 2 sin3x

s i n 4x + K
1 1
2
4
3 3

2
2
2

6
m) 2 3 sin x
3 sin2x +
3 sin3x K
2 2
3 3
1 1

1 2
sin(2n 1) x
n) f ( x ) =
2
2n 1
3 2 sin(2n 1) x
o) f ( x) = +
2
2n 1
4a
sin(2 n 1) x
p) f ( x ) =
2n 1

3 2
1
q) f ( x ) =
+ (1 (1)n ) 2 cos nx
8
n

5.8 Half range cosine and sine series

Many times, it may be required to obtain a Fourier series
expansion of a function in the interval (0 , l) which is half the
period of the Fourier series. This is achieved by treating (0, l) as
half range of (-l, l) and defining f(x) suitably in the other half

Fourier Series
373
i.e., in (-l, 0) so as to make the function even or odd according
as cosine series or sine series is required.
l
l
2
2
n x
a0 = f ( x)dx, an = f ( x)cos
dx
l 0
l 0
l
f ( x) =

a0
n x
for half range cosine series and
+ an cos
2 n =1
l

2
n x
bn = f ( x)sin
dx and write the series as
l 0
l
l

f ( x) = bn sin
n =1

n x
for half range sine series.
l

Similarly, in (0, )

2
2
a0 = f ( x)dx, an = f ( x)cos nx dx
0
0
and f ( x) =

a0
+ a cos nx
2 n=1 n

2
bn = f ( x )sin nxdx f ( x) = bn sin nx
0
n=1
NOTE : (i) To solve a problem on Fourier series we have to find
a0, an and bn and substitute in

a
n x
n x
f ( x) = 0 + a n cos
+ bn sin
2 n =1
l
l
n =1
(ii) Finding of a 0, a n, bn , involves integration. In most of the
problems, f(x) consists of terms like x, x2 , x3, etc which after a
few differentiation will be zero.
The generalized formula for integration of the product of
two functions u and v called the Bernoullis rule may be used for
finding a n and bn.
1
2
3
4
uvdx = uv uv +uv uv + K

where dashes denote differentiation w.r.t x and suffixes 1,2,3,. . .

denote integration w.r.t. x

374

College Mathematics

cos nx
sin nx
cos nx
sin nxdx = x2
2x
+ 2

2
3
n

n
(iii) The following values of cosine and sine are useful
n
cos 0 = 1, cos n = (-1)n = cos (-n), cos
= 0 if n is odd and
2
n
n
cos
= (1) if n is even.
2
2
n 1
n
sin 0 = 0, sin n = sin (n), sin
= (1) 2 if n is odd and
2
n
sin
= 0 is even.
2
(iv) Integration work can be reduced to a great extent by using the
ideas of even and odd functions, whenever 0 is the mid point.

For eg.

(v) If f(x) is neither odd nor even, then f(x) may consist of some
terms which when taken individually may be odd or even and the
integr ation work can be reduced.
Worked Examples :
1) Find the half range sine series for f(x) =x in (0, 1)
(May 2003)
2
n x
n x
where bn = f ( x)sin
f ( x) = bn sin
dx

L0
L
L
L

bn =

2
x.sin n xdx
1 0

x cos n x 1
= 2
+
n
n

cos n xdx
1

x cos n x sin n x
= 2
+

n
(n )2 0

Fourier Series
375
n
x cos n x 2( 1)
= 2
= n
n

Half = ramge Sine series is

2( 1) n
=
.sin( n ) x
n
1
2) Obtain the half -range Sine series for f(x) = x over the interval
(0, )
(A 2003)

2
bn = x.sin nxdx
0
=

cos nx 1

x( n ) + n cos nxdx

2 x cos nx sin nx
=
+ 2

n
n 0
2 cos n 2( 1) n

=

n
n
Half = ramge Sine series is

2( 1) n
f ( x) =
.sin nx.
n
3) Find the half range Fourier sine series of f(x) = x2 in the
interval (0, 1)
(N 2000)
1
2
bn = x 2 sin n xdx
10
=

cos n x
1

= 2 x2 (
)+
cos( n x).2xdx
n

cos n x 2 sin n x
sin n x
= 2
+

.dx
x
n
n
n
n

cos n x 2
= 2
+
n
n

1
cos n x

0 + n 2 2

376
College Mathematics
cos n x 2 cos n x
1
= 2
+
2 2 2 2
n
n n
n

n
n
(1) 2(1)
2
f ( x) = 2
+ 3 3 3 3 sin(n x )
n
n
n
4) Find the half range cosine series for the function f(x) =x2 in
(0, ) (A 2003)
It is required to find

a
n x
f ( x) = 0 + an cos
where
2
L
1
L
L
2
2
n x
a0 = f ( x)dx; an = f ( x)cos
dx
L0
L0
L

2
2 x3
2 2
a 0 = x 2 dx = =
0
3 0
3

2
a0 = cos(nx)dx
0

sin(nx )
2 sin( nx)

.2 xdx
x
n
n

2 2 cos(nx)
cos(nx)

= 0 x
.1dx
+
n
n
n

2
=

2 x cos(nx ) sin( nx)

+

n
n
n 2 0

2 ( 1) n

n
n
4(1) n
=
n2
2 2
4(1)n
f ( x) =
+
cos( nx)
2(3)
n2
=

Fourier Series
2
4( 1) n
=
+
cos(nx)
3
n2

377

5) Find the half range Sine series for f ( x) = x x2 in the

internal 0<x<

2
bn = ( x x 2 )sin xdx
0

2
cos nx
sin nx
cos nx
= ( x x 2 )(
) ( 2 x)( 2 ) + ( 2)(
)
0
n
n
n 0
4
= 3 (1 cos n )
n
8
= 3
n
8
f ( x ) = 3 sin nx
n
8
sin3x sin5x

= sin x + 3 + 3 + K

3
5

6) Find half range sine series of

x
0< x 2

f (x) =
< x<
x
2

2
bn = f ( x)sin xdx
0

2
=

2 2
x sin xdx + ( x)sin xdx

2 cos nx sin nx 2
= x
2

n
n 0

378

College Mathematics

2
cos nx
sin nx
( x)
(1) 2

n
n

379

= 2 ( x 1) 2 cos( n x)dx
2

cos( n )
sin(n ) cos(n ) sin n
2 +
2 +
2 +
2

2
n
n2
2
n
n2

4
n

=
sin

n2
2

4
sin3 x sin5x

f ( x) = sin x 3 + 3 + K

3
5

7) Find the half range sine series for f(x) = 2x-1 in the interval
(0, 1)
(A 2001)
1
2
bn = (2 x 1)sin(n x)dx
10
2
=

Fourier Series

sin n x
cos n x sin n x
= 2 ( x 1)2
2( x 1) 2 2 + 2

3 3
n
n n
0

2cos(0)
4
2sin(n )
= 2
+ 2 2 = 2 2
2 2
n n
n
1
4
f ( x ) = + 2 2 cos n x
3
n
9) Expand f(x) = x as a cosine half range series in 0 < x <2
Solution : The graph of f(x) = x is a straight line. Let us extend
the function f(x) in the interval (-2, 0) so that the new function is
symmetric al about they y axis and hence it represents an even
function in (-2, 2)

cos n x
sin(n x)

= 2 (2 x 1)(
) (2)(
n

n2 2 0

1
cos n
= 2

n
n
2
f ( x) =
(1 + cos n )sin(nx )
n
8. Find the half range cosine series for the function of
f(x) = (x - 1)2 in the interval 0 < x < 1.
1

2
2( x 1) 3
2
2
a 0 = ( x 1) 2 dx =
= 0+ 3 = 3
10
3
0
1

2
n x
2
( x 1).cos(
) dx

10
l
1

an =

the Fourier coefficient bn= 0

a
n x
f ( x) = 0 + a n cos
2 n =1
2
2

a0 =

2
2
x2
1
1
4
xdx
=
2
xdx
=
= =2

2 2
2 2
2 0 2

an =

2
n x
x cos
dx

2 2
2
2

n x
n x
sin

cos
2
2

= x
1
2
n

2
2

n x
4
n x
2x
= sin
+ 2 2 cos
2
n
2 0
n

380

College Mathematics

4
4

= 0 + 2 2 cos n 0 + 2 2 cos0
n
n

4
4
= 2 2 (cos n 1) = 2 2 [(1)n 1]
n
n
a0
n x
f ( x) = + an cos
2 n =1
2

2
4
n x
= + 2 2 [(1) n 1]cos
2 n =1 n
2
x
3 x
5 x

2cos
2cos
4 2cos 2
2 +0+
2 + K
f ( x) = 1 + 2
+0+

2
2
2

1
3
5

x
3 x
5 x

cos
8 cos 2 cos 2
2 + K
i.e., f ( x ) = 1 2 2 +
+

2
2
1
3
5

Important Note : It must be clearly understood that we expand a

function in 0 < x < c as a series of sines and cosines merely
looking upon it as an odd or even function of period 2c. It hardly
matters whether the function is odd or even .
1
1
10) Expand f ( x) = x if 0 < x <
4
2
3
1
= x if < x < 1
4
2
in the Fourier series of sine terms
Solution : Let f(x) be an odd function in (-1, 1)
a0 = 0 and an = 0
n x
and bn = 1 f ( x )sin
dx
1
1
1

= 2 f ( x)sin n xdx
0

Fourier Series
1
1 2 1

= 2 x sin n xdx + x sin n xdx

4

1 2
0 4

1
cos n
= 2 x
n
4

381

12

sin n x
(1)

2 2

n
0

3 cos n
+2 x
4 n

sin n x
(1) n2 2

1 2

n sin 2
1
= 2
cos
2 2 +
cos0 + 0
2
n
4n
4n

sin
1
1
+2
cos n + 0
cos n 2 22
4n
n
4n

n
4sin
n
1
n
i.e., bn =
[1 (1) ] 2 22 since cos
=0
2 n
n
2
1 4
b1 = 2 ; b2 = 0

1
4
b3 =
+ 2 2 ; b4 = 0
3 3
1
4
b5 =
2 2 ; b6 = 0 etc.
5 5

f ( x) = bn sin n x
n =1

4
1 4
1
+ 2 2 sin3 x
2 sin x +

3 3
4
1
+
2 2 sin5 x + K
5 5

382
College Mathematics
11) Find the sine and cosine series of the function f(x) = - x in
0 < x < .
(A 99)
Solution :
(i) Fourier sine series:

2
bn = f ( x)sin nxdx
0

2
( x)sin nxdx
0
x

cos nx
sin nx
( x) n ( 1) n

2
cos0 sin0
= (0 0) ( 0)
+

n n
2 2
=
=
n n
Fourier sine series is

2
f ( x) = bn sin nx = sin nx
n =1
n =1 n
1
1
1

= 2 sin x + sin2x + sin3x + K

2
3
1

(ii) Fourier cosine series:

2
2
a0 = f (x ) dx = ( x) dx
0
0
2
=

x2

2 0

2
2 2 2
= 2 = .
=

2 2

2
a 0 = ( x)cos nxdx
0
=

Fourier Series

383

2
sin nx
cos nx
( x)
( 1)

n
n
0

2 cos n
cos0
0.
0 2

n
n
2 1 cos n
= 2
n
n 2
2
= 2 (1 cos n )
n
2
= 2 [1 (1)n )]
n
a0
f ( x) = + a n cos nx
2 n =1
2
= + 2 [1 ( 1) n ]cos nx
2 n =1 n
22
2
2

= + 2 cos x + 2 cos3 x + 2 cos5x + K

2 1
3
5

4 1
1
1

+ 2 cos x + 2 cos3x + 2 cos5x +K

2 1
3
5

12) Find the Fourier series expansion with period 3 to represent

the function f(x) =2x x2 in the range (0, 3)
Solution : We have c = 0 and 2l = 3
c +2 l
1
a0 = f ( x)dx
l c
3

2
(2x x 2 )dx

30

2 2 x 2 x3
2
x3
= x2

3 2
3 0 3
3 0

384

College Mathematics

2
= [9 9] = 0
3
c +2 l
1
n x
an = f ( x)cos
dx
l c
l
2
2n x
(2 x x 2 )cos
dx

3c
3

Fourier Series

2n x

cos

2
3
= (2 x x 2 )
2
n

x
3

385
3

2n x
2n x

sin
cos

3 + ( +2)
3
+
(2

2
x
)

2
3
2n x
2n x

3
3 0

2 n x
2n x

cos
sin
2
3 (2 2 x)
3
= (2 x x 2 )

2
n

x
2 n x 2
3

3
3

2 n x
sin

+ (+ 2)
2 n x 2


3 0
2 9
36
27

=
sin2n 2 2 cos2n + 3 3 sin2n
3 2 n
2n
2n

2
9

0 + 2 2 + 0
3
2n

2
9
3 2 12
= 2 2 2 2 = 2 2
3 n
n 3 n
8
= 2 2
n
c+ 2 l
1
n x
bn = f ( x)sin
dx
l c
l

2
3

c+ 2 l

(2x x 2 )sin

2n x
dx
3

2 9cos2 n ( 4)9
2(27)

2 2 sin2 n + 3 3 cos2n

3 2 n
2n
8n

2
27

= 0 + 0 + 2 3 3 cos0
3
8n

2 9
27
27 3
=
+ 3 3 3 3 =
3 2n 8n 8 n n

a
n x
n x
f ( x) = 0 + a n cos
+ bn sin
2 n =1
l
l
n =1

8
2 n x
3
2n x
= 0 + 2 2 cos
+
sin
3
3
n =1 n
n =1 n

8
1
2 n x 3
3
2 n x
f ( x ) = 2 2 cos
+ sin
n =1 n
3
n =1 n
3
=

2 cos nx
x
13) If f ( x ) =
,
show
that
f
(
x
)
=
+
in the

12 n =1 n 2
2
range of (0, 2 )
Solution : It is an even function b n = 0
2

1 2
1 2 x
f
(
x
)
dx
=

dx
0
0 2
2

an =

1 x
=

4 3( 1) 0
1
=
[( )3 3 ]
12

386
1
2
=
( 2 3 ) =
12
6
2
1
a n = f ( x )cos nxdx
0

College Mathematics

Fourier Series

2 eax + e ax
=
c os nxdx
0
2
=

1 2 x
=
cos nxdx
0 2
2

1 x sin nx

( x ) cos nx 1 sin nx

2
2 n
2 n 3 0

n
1 2

=
= 2
2
2n
n
The Fourier series is

a
f ( x) = 0 + a n cos nx + b n sin n x
2 n =1
n =1

2 co s nx
+
+0
12 n =1 n 2
2 co s nx
f ( x) =
+
12 n =1 n 2
14) Find the fourier Series expansion of cosh ax in(- , )
Solution : f(x) = cosh ax

1
a0 = cosh axdx

=

2
2 sinh ax
= cosh axdx =

a 0
2
=
sinh a
a

1
a0 = cosh ax cos nxdx

387

2 ax
e
c
os
nxdx
+
e ax cos nxdx

2 0
0

ax a cos nx + n sin nx ax a sin nx a cos nx

+e

e
a2 + n2
a 2 + n2

0

1 a cos nx + n sin nx ax a sin nx a cos nx
= e ax
+e

a2 + n2
a2 + n2

0
a cos nx + n sin nx
n sin0 a cos0
e0
e

2
2
a
+
n
a2 + n2

a
a
n
1 e a
e a(1)
1
1
= 2 2 ( 1) n 2
2
+ 2

2
2
a +n
a +n
a + n a + n2
1 a ( 1) n a
=
(e e a )
2
2
a +n
2 a ( 1)n
i.e., a n =
sinh a
(a 2 + n 2 )
bn = 0
The Fourier series for cosh ax is

a
cosh ax = 0 + a n cos n
2 n =1
1
=

1
2a (1) n
sinh a +
sinh a cos n
2
2
a
n =1 (a + n )

Exercise
1. Find the half range Fourier cosine series for f(x) = x in
0< x

388

College Mathematics

1
0< x < 1
x
2
2. Prove that f ( x ) = 4
1 < x < 1,
x 3
4
2

n
4sin

1
2 sin n x
the sine series is = =
[1 ( 1)n ]
n2 2
2n

3. Find the half range Fourier sine series for

f(x) = ex in the interval (0, 1)
4. Find the half range cosine series for
a

0<x<
x
2
f ( x) =
a
a x
< x < a,

2
5. Obtain a half range cosine series for f(x) 2x 1 for 0 < x < 1.
Hence show that
2 1 1 1
= + + + K
8 12 32 52
6. Find a Fourier sine series for
1

0<x<
1
2
a) f ( x ) =
1
0
< x<1

2
b) f ( x) = x( x) in 0 < x <
7) Expand f(x) =1 x 2 , -1 < x < 1 in a fourier series.
(N 2001)
x
8) Obtain the Fourier series for f ( x ) = e
in (0,2 )
(N 2000)
2
9) Obtain the Fourier series for f(x) = x in (- , )
(N 2001)
ax
10) Obtain the Fourier series for f ( x ) = e
in ( , n )

Fourier Series

389

and hence deduce that cos ehx =

2 ( 1)
n2 + 1

(A 2001)

11) Prove that in 0 < x < l

1 4l
x 1
3 x 1
5 x

x = 2 cos + 2 cos
+ 2 cos
+ K
2
l
3
l
5
l

and deduce that

Answers
1

1 4
(i)
=
(ii)
n4 = 90
(2n 1) 4 96

2
1) f ( x) = 2 ( 1)n 1 cos nx
2
n
n
3) f ( x ) = 2
1 ( 1)n sin x
2 2
1+ n
a 8 1
2 x 1
6 x
1
10 x

4) f ( x ) = 2 2 cos
+ 2 cos
+ 2 cos
+ K
4 2
a
6
a
10
a

2
n
6) a) f ( x) = (1 cos )sin x
n
2
8
sin(2 n 1) x
b) f ( x ) =

(2 n 1)3
4

2 4
2 cos n cos nx
3
1 n
sin ax 2a sinh a
10) e ax =
+
( 1) n cos nx
2
2
a

(
a
+
n
)
1

2 a sinh a
+
( 1) n sin nx
2
2

(
a
+
n
)
1
9) x2 =

EXERCISE
A. Define Half range a) cosine

b) sine series

390
College Mathematics
1. Find the cosine and sine series for f(x) = x in 0 x and
2 1 1 1
hence show that
= + + +K
8 12 32 52
2. Obtain the Fourier series for the periodic function f(x) defined
for < x < 0
1 x
by
f (x) =
for
0< x<
1 + x
2 1 1 1
and hence show that
= + + +K
8 12 32 52
3. Obtain the Fourier series of f(x) defined by

in < x 0
x + 2
f ( x) =
x
in
0 x <
2
4. Prove that the Fourier series expansion of x( - x) defined in
2 cos2 x cos4 x cos6x

the interval (0, ) is

2 + 2 + 2 + K
6 1
2
3

5. Obtain the Fourier series for the function

x2
for 0 < x <
f ( x) = 2
for x <
x

x
6. f ( x) =
x

in 0 < x <

< x <
2
4 sin x sin3 x sin5 x

Show that (i) f ( x ) = 2

+
+ K
1
32
52

2 cos2 x cos6 x cos10x

(ii) f ( x ) = 2 +
+
+ K
4 1
32
52

in

Fourier Series
391
x
in 0 x 1

7. If f ( x ) =
in
1 x 2
(2 x)
in the interval (0, 2) find the Fourier series of f(x)
x
in (0, l )

8. If f ( x ) =
find the Fourier series
in
(l , 2l )
x 2l
in (-, )
9. Find the half-range cosine series for sinx in (0, )
10. Find the half range sine series for f(x) = 2x 1 in (0, 1)
11. Find the half range cosine series for f(x) = x2 on (0, )
12. Find the half range sine series for f(x) = x2 in (0, )
13. Find the Fourier series for f(x) = 1 + x + x2 in (- , )
14. Express f(x) = 1 + x2 as a Fourier series in (0, )
x2
in ( ,0)
15. Expand f ( x ) =
as a Fourier series
in
(0, )
0
in (- , )

( 1)n [(1)n 1]2

2 2(1)n
+
cos nx +

sin nx
6 n =1 n 2
n
n3
n =1

for < x < 0

0
16. If f ( x ) =
for
0< x <
sin x
1 sin x 2 cos2nx
Prove that +
and hence show that
2

2
n =1 4 n 1
1
1
1
1

+
+ K = ( 2)
1.3 3.5 5.7
4

for
0 x < , f =
0
2 2 2 4
17. If f ( x ) =

for
< x
2
2
prove that

cos3 x cos5x
f ( x ) = cos x +

+ K and hence show that

4
3
5

392

College Mathematics

1 1 1

1 + + K =
3 5 7
4
2
x

1 + for x 0
18. f ( x ) =
1 2 x for 0 x

8 cos x cos3 x cos5x

P rove that f ( x ) = 2 2 +
+
+ K
2
2
1
3
5

19. For f ( x) = x in ( , ) , prove that

4
cos3 x cos5x

cos x +
+
+ K
2
9
25

20. For f ( x) = x sin x in ( , ) find the Fourier series and hece

1
1
1
1
deduce that

+
+ K = ( 2)
1.3 3.5 5.7
4
21. Prove that the Half range fourier sine series for f(x) = - x

2
in (0, ) is sin nx
[2 Marks]
1 n
22. Prove that the Half range sine series for f(x) = ex in (0, 1) is
2 n
1+ n 2 2 [1 ( 1) n e]sin n x
f ( x) =

ANSWERS
4
1
1

cos x + 2 cos3 x + 2 cos5 x +K

2
3
5

1
1

(ii )2 sin x sin2x + sin3x + K

2
3

+2 4 1
1
1

2.
2 cos x + 2 cos3 x + 2 cos5x + K
2
1
3
5

1. (i )

Fourier Series
4 cos x cos3 x cos5 x

3.
+
+
+ K

2
2
2
1
3
5

393

cos x cos3x cos5x

5. 2 8 2 +
+
+K
2
2
3
5
1

2
2
2
2
2 3
4
sin2 x 3
4
s i n 4x

6.

sin
x
+
+

sin
x
+
+K

1 1
2
4
3 3

4 cos x cos3 x cos5 x

7.

+
+
+ K
2 12
32
52

n +1

2l
( 1)
n x
8.
sin

n=1 n
l

2 4
cos2nx
9.
2
n =1 4n 1
2 sin2 x sin2 x sin6 x

10.
+
+
+ K
1
2
3

2
n +1

( 1) 4cos nx
11.

3 n =1
n2

12.

( 1)n +1 2

[( 1) n 1]4
sin nx
n3

n2

2 ( 1) n 4
( 1)n +1 2
13. 1 +
cos
n

+
sin nx

3 n =1 n 2
n
n =1

[( 1) n 1]4 2[( 1) n (1+ 2 ) 1]

14.

sin x
n
n
n =1

1
2
2
2
cos2 x +
cos3 x
cos4x K
20. 1 cos x
2
1.3
2.4
3.5
n =1

5.9 Finite Sine and Cosine Transforms

Definitions: If f(x) is a sectionally continuous function over
some finite interval (0, l) of the variable x, then the finite Fourier
Sine and Cosine Transforms of f(x) over (0, l)are defined by

394

College Mathematics
l

Fs ( n) = Fs dx where n = 1,2,3, K
0

n x
Fs ( n) = f ( x)cos
dx where n = 1,2,K
l
0
In the interval (0, ) we have
l

and

Fs ( n) = f ( x )cos nx dx where n = 1,2,3K

0

and Fc ( n) = f ( x)cos nx dx n = 1,2,K

0

Using Fourier Sine and Cosine half-range series, the inverse

transforms in the interval (0, l) are given by
2
n x
f ( x) = Fs (n ) sin

l n =l
l
1
2
n x
and f ( x) = Fc (0) + Fc (n )cos

l
l n =l
l
l

where Fc (0) = f ( x)d x

0

In the interval (0, ), the above result becomes

2
F ( x) = Fs (n )sin nx
n =l
1
2
F ( x) = Fc (0) + Fc (n )cos nx

n =l

where Fc (0) = f ( x)d x

0

NOTE : If the interval is not given in the problems, then we have

to take the interval as (0, A).
WORKED EXAMPLES :

Fourier Series
395
(1) Find the finite Fourier sine and cosine transforms of f(x)
=1 in (0, )
Solution : Given : f(x) =1, in (0, l) = (0, )

(1)
n x
We know Fs ( n) = f (x ) sin
dx
l
0
l

= 1sin nxdx

[using (1)]

Cosnx
=
n 0

1 cosn
=
n
1 (1)n
Fs ( n) =
n
l
n x
Also, Fc (0) = f (x )Cos
dx
l
0

= 1C os nxdx

[using (1)] (2)

Sinnx
=

n 0
F(n) = 0 if n = 1, 2, 3, . . .

If n= 0 then F c(0) = Cos0dx

[using (2)]

= [ x ]0 =
(2) Find the finite Fourier sine and Cosine transforms of f(x) = x
in (0, l).
l
n x
Solution : We know Fs ( n) = F (x )sin
dx
l
0

396

College Mathematics

n x
= xsin
dx (using given data)
l
0
Using Bernoullies rule, we get
l

n x
n x
cos
sin

l
l

Fs ( n) = x
1
2

n
n

l
l

n x
= x cos
dx
(using given data)
l
0
Using Bernoullies rule, we get
l

n x

n x
cos l
sin

l 1
Fc ( n) = x
2 2
n

l
l
0

l
n

n x
l

x sin l + n2 2

0
2

n x

cos l

397

If n = 0, Fc (0) = xdx
0

n x
l2
n x

x
cos
+
sin
2 2

l 0 n
l 0

l
l2
=
[ l cos n 0] + 2 2 [sin n sin0]
n
n
2
l
=
[ 1]n
n
l 2 (1)n +1
Fs ( n) =
where n = 1, 2, 3, . . .
n
l
n x
Now Fc ( n) = f ( x )cos
dx
l
0
=

l
n

Fourier Series
l
l2
=
(0 0) + 2 2 (cos n cos0)
n
n
2
l
Fc ( n ) = 2 2 [( 1) n 1] where n = 1, 2, 3, . . .
n

x2
=
2 0
l2
Fc (0) =
2
(3) For the func tion f(x) = x, find the finite Fourier sine and
Cosine transforms in (0, )
Solution Given : f(x) = x, (0, l) =(0, )

(1)

n x
We know Fs ( n) = f ( x)sin
dx
l
0
l

= x sin nxdx

[using (1)]

Using Bernoullies rule, we get

cos nx sin nx
Fs ( n) = x
1

2
n
n
0

1

= [ x cos nx]0 (Q sin n = sin0 = 0)

n
1
= [ cos n 0 ]
n
n +1
(1)
Fs ( n) =
where n = 1, 2, 3, . . .
n
Also ,

398

College Mathematics

n x
Fc ( n) = f ( x)cos
dx
l
0

Fourier Series

399
2

= x cos nxdx

[usaing (1)]

sin nx cos nx
= x
1

2
0
n n
1

Fc ( n ) = 2 [ cos nx ]0
n
1
Fc ( n) = 2 (cos n cos0)
n
1
Fc ( n) = 2 {(1)n 1}
n
If n = 2, 4,6, . . . , Fc(n) = 0
2
If n = 1, 3, 5, . . . ., Fc ( n) = 2
n

n x
n x
n x
sin
cos
cos

2 (2 x)
2 + (2)
2
Fs ( n) = x2
2
3
n

n 2
n 3

4
8
0

(using Bernoullies rule)

2 2
16 n x
n x
=
x cos
+ 3 3 cos
(Q sin n = sin0 = 0)

n
2 0 n 2 0
2
16
=
(4cos n 0) + 3 3 (cos n cos0)
n
n
8
16
Fs ( n) =
(1)n +1 + 3 3 [(1)n 1]
n
n
(5) Find the finite Fourier sine and Cosine transforms of
f(x) = -x.
Solution : Since the range is not given we shall take the interval
as (0, )

We know Fs ( n) = ( x)sin nxdx(Q f ( x) = x and l = )

If n = 0, Fc (0) = xdx

Using Bernoullies rule,

x2
=
2 0
2
2
(4) Find the finite Fourier sine transform of f(x)= x2 in (0, 2)
Solution Given : f(x) = x2 , (0, l) = (0, 2)

(1)
l
n x
We know Fs ( n) = f (x ) sin
dx
l
0
Fc (0) =

n x
= x 2 sin
dx
2
0
Using Bernoullies rule,
2

[using (1)]

cos nx
sin nx
Fs ( n) = ( x )
( 1)

2
n

n
0

= [( x)cos nx ]0 (Q sin n = sin0 = 0)

n
1
= [(0 )]
n

Fs ( n) =
n

Also Fc ( n ) = ( x)cos nxdx

0

Using Bernoullies rule,

400

College Mathematics

sin nx
cos nx
Fs ( n) = ( x)
( 1)

2
n
n
0

= 2 [cos nx ]0 (Q sin n = sin0 = 0)

n
1
= 2 [ cos n cos0]
n
1
Fc ( n ) = 2 ( 1) n 1 where n 0.
n

When n = 0, Fc (0) = ( x) dx

Fourier Series

1
2

(2x x 2 )cos nx 3 [cos n ]0

=
0
n
n
1
2
=
(2 2 )cos n 0 3 [cos n ]0
n
n
1

2
(2 2 )( 1) n 3 [( 1) n 1]
=
n
n
n +1
2
(1) (2 ) 2
Fs ( n) =
[( 1) n 1] where n = 1, 2, 3, . .
3
n
n
l
n x
Also Fc ( n) = f ( x)cos
dx
l
0

401

= (2 x x 2 )cos nxdx

x2
= x
2 0

2
2
2
Fc (0) =
2
(6) Find the finite Fourier Sine and Cosine transforms of
f(x) = 2x - x2
Solution :Since the range is not given, we shall take the interval
as (0, )
Given : f ( x) = 2x x 2 ,(0, l ) = (0, )
(1)
=2

= 2 (2 2 x) cos nx
n
0

=
=

2
2

n2

[(1 x)cos nx]0

[ (1 )cos n cos0]

If n = 0, Fc (0) = (2x x 2 )dx

= (2 x x 2 )sin nxdx

cos nx
sin nx
2 sin nx
Fc ( n) = (2 x x )
(2 2 x )
+ ( 2)

n
n
n 3 0

where n 0

n x
Fs ( n) = f ( x)sin
dx
l
0

We know

Using Bernoullies rule,

[using (1)]

Using Bernoullies rule,

sin nx
cos nx
2 cos nx
Fs ( n) = (2 x x )
(2 2 x)
+ (2) 3
2

n
n
n 0

x3
= x2
3 0

Fc (0) = 2
3

402
College Mathematics
7) Show that the finite Fourier sine transform of f(x) =x( -x) is
4
if n is odd and 0 if n is even.
n3
Solution : Since the range is not given, we shall take the interval
as (0, )
Given : f(x) =x( -x), (0, l) = (0, )

(1)

n x
We know Fs ( n) = f ( x)sin
dx
l
0
l

[using (1)]

= ( x x2 )sin nxdx
0

Using Bernoullies rule,

sin nx
cos nx
2 cos nx
( 2x )
+ (2) 3
2
n
n

n 0

1
2
=
( x x 2 )cos nx 3 [cos nx ]0 (Q sin nx = sin0 = 0)
0
n
n
1
2
= [0 0] 3 [cos n cos0]
n
n
2
= 3 [(1)n 1]
n
2
Fs ( n) = 3 [1 (1)n ]
n
2
If n is odd, Fs ( n) = 3 [1 ( 1)]
n
4
Fs ( n ) = 3
n
2
If n is even, Fs ( n) = 3 [1 1] = 0
n
Fs (n) = ( x x )

403

x
Given : f ( x) = 1 ,(0, l ) = (0, )

l
n x
We know Fs ( n) = f ( x)cos
dx
l
0

= x( x )sin nxdx

Fourier Series
4
Thus, Fs (n ) = 3 if n is odd and 0 if n is even.
n
(8) Show that the finite Fourier Cosine transform of
2
, if n = 1,2,3, K
2
x n 2
f ( x) = 1 is

,
if n = 0.
3
Solution : We shall take the interval as (0, )
(1)

= 1 cos nxdx

0
Using Bernoullies rule,

x
Fc ( n ) = 1

( )
sin nx
n

[using (1)]

x 1
2 1

( )
cos nx
n

1
+2 2

2 x
=
1 cos nx (Q sin n = sin0 = 0)
2
n
0
2
= 2 [0 cos0]
n
2
Fc ( n ) = 2 for n 0
n

x
If n = 0, Fc (0) = 1 dx

sin nx
n

404

College Mathematics

x
1

=
3

x 3
1
0

When n = 0, Fc (0) =

0,

( n 1) 2
F c (n ) =
2
,
(1)
n
[Using (2) & (3)]

f ( x)cos nxdx

1.cos nxdx +

( 1)cos nxdx

(1)

(using given data)

sin nx 2 sin nx
=

n 0
n 2

for
for

n = 0,2,4,6, K
n = 1,3,5, K

(10) Find the finite Fourier Cosine transform of the function

1, for 0 < x

2
f ( x) =
0, for 2 < x <
Solution : Given : (0, l) = (0, )
We know
l
n x
Fc ( n) = f ( x)cos
dx
l
0

= f ( x)cos nxdx
0

(2)

[using (1)]

Thus,

(1) dx

= 0
2
2

Fc(0) = 0

f ( x)cos nx +

405

= [ x]0 2 [ x ]

= f ( x)cos nxdx

1.dx +

=
[0 1]
3

Fc (0) =
3
(9) Find the Fourier Cosine transform of f(x) defined by

1, 0 < x < 2
f ( x) =
1, < x <

2
Solution : Given (0, l) = (0, )
l
n x
We know Fc ( n ) = f ( x)cos
dx
l
0

Fourier Series
1
n
1
= sin n 0 0 sin
n
2
2 n
2
n
Fc ( n ) = sin
for n 0
n
2

(3)

406

College Mathematics
2

f ( x)cos nxdx

f ( x)cos nx +

1.cos nxdx +
0

0cos nxdx

(using given data)

Fourier Series
407
(11) Find the finite Fourier Cosine and Sine transforms of the
function f(x) = eax in (0, l).
l
n x
Solution : We know Fc ( n) = f ( x)cos
dx
l
0

n x
Fc ( n) = e ax cos
dx
l
0
l

cos nxdx

(1)
l

Using eax cos bxdx =

sin nx 2
=

n 0
1 n

= sin
sin0
n
2

1 n
= sin
n
2
0, if n iseven

(n 1) 1
F c (n ) =
2
, if nisodd
(1)
n

If n = 0 Fc (0) =

l 2a
= 2 2
l a + n 2 2

n x
n l
ax
e cos l + l 2 a 2 + n 2 2

0
l

ax
n x
e sin l

l 2a
n l
eal cosn 1 + 2 2
eal sin n 0
2 2
2 2
2 2
l a +n
l a +n
l 2a
Fc ( n ) = 2 2
[( 1)n e al 1] where n = 1,2,3, . . .
l a + n 2 2
when n = 0, we get
=

cos0 dx

[using (1)]

1.dx

Fc ( n) = eaxdx

Fc (0) =
2
Thus,

2,

Fc ( n) = 0,
1
(n 1)
( 1) 2 ,
n

eax (a cos bx + b sin bx )

we get
a2 + b2
l

[using (1)]

eax
=
a 0
for

n=0
n = 2,4,6, K

for

(1)

ax
n x n
n x
sin
e a cos
+

l l
l

Fc ( n ) =

n 2 2

2
a
+

n = 1,3,5, K

Fc (0) =

eal 1
a

n x
Also, Fs ( n) = f ( x)sin
dx
l
0
l

408

College Mathematics

n x
Fs ( n) = eax s in
dx
l
0
l

Using

ax
e sin bxdx =
0

eax (a sin bx b cos bx)

, we get
a 2 + b2
l

n x n
n x
cos
a sin

l l
l
Fc ( n ) = eax

n 2 2

2

a
+
2

0
l

l 2a
= 2 2
l a + n 2 2

ax
n l
n x
e sin l l 2 a 2 + n 2 2

ax
n x
e cos l

n l
eal cos n 1
l a + n 2 2
n l
Fs ( n) = 2 2
[1 ( 1)n e al ] where n = 1,2,3, . . .
l a + n 2 2

(12) Find f(x) in (0, ) given that the finite Fourier Cosine
cos(2 n 3)
transform is Fc ( n) =
(2 n + 1)2
Solution : In the interval l = , we know
1
2
n x
f ( x) = f c (0) + f c (n )cos

l
l n =1
l
Here l =
1
2

(1)
f ( x) = f (0) + fc ( n)cos nx

n =1
cos(2 n 3)
Given : f c (n ) =
(2 n + 1)2
fc(0) = 1
Using these in (1), we get

Fourier Series
1 2 cos(2n 3)
f ( x) = +
cos nx
n =1 (2 n + 1)2

409

(13) Find f(x) in (0, ) given that the finite Fourier sine transform
1 cos n
is f s (n ) =
n 2 2
2
n x
Solution : We know f s (n) = f s ( n )sin
in (0, l)
l n =1
l
Here l =
2
f ( x) = Fs (n)sin nx
n =1
2 (1 cos n )
(Using given data)
f ( x) =
sin nx
n =1
n 2 2
Q1 cos n = 1 ( 1) n = 0
if n is even and 2 if n is odd.
Using this, we get
2
2
f ( x) =
sin nx

2 2
n =13,5,K n

f (x) =

4
3

sin x sin3 x sin5x

(1) 2 + (3) 2 + (5) 2 +K

(14) Find f(x) in 0 < x < 4 Given that Fc(0)=16,

3
f c (n ) = 2 2 ( 1) n 1 where n = 1, 2, 3, . . .
n
1
2
n x
Solution : We know f ( x) = f c (0) + f c (n )cos
in
l
l n =1
l
0<x< l
Given : l = 4
1
1 3
n x
f ( x ) = (16) + 2 2 [(1)n 1]cos

4
2 n =1 n
4
(using given data)

410

Fourier Series
1
1 C os n
S n x( x) =
n3
2

College Mathematics

2
n x
c os

2
4
n =1,3,5,K n

f ( x) = 4 +

3
2 2

f ( x) = 4

3 1
x 1
3 x 1
5 x

cos
+ 2 cos
+ 2 cos
+K
2 2
1
4 3
4
5
4

[NOTE : Sn [f(x)] denote the finite Fourier sine transform of f(x)

and Sn -1 is its inverse.
Similarly C n [f(x)] denote the finite Fourier Cosine transform of
f(x) and Cn -1 is its inverse.]
1 cos n
(15) Show that Sn1
n3

1
= 2 x( x)
1 cos n
1

Solution : We shall prove that

= S n x( x)
3
n
2

Here l =

1
+ [ co s{k ( k + n) x}]dx
20

( x x )cos nx 2cos nx

2
n
n
0
1 2cos n
2
=
+ 3
3

2
n
n
1

1
[co s( k kx + nx) + cos(k kx nx)]dx
2 0

cos nx
sin nx
cos nx
= ( x )
( 2 x)
+ ( 2) 3
2
2
n
n
n 0
=

1
= [co s{k ( k n) x}]dx
20

1
x( x )sin nxdx
2 0
Using Bernoullies rule,
1 x ( x)
Sn
2

1 cos n 1
Sn1
= 2 x( x)
n3

k sin k
(16) Show that Cn1 2
= cos k( x) where k n.
2
k n
k sin k
Solution : To prove that Cn [cos k ( x )] = 2
k n2
Here l = .
We know
[cos k ( x)] = cos k ( x)cos nxdx

1
1

Sn x( x) = x( x )sin nxdx
2
02
=

411

1 sin[k ( k n ) x] 1 sin[ k ( k + n ) x]
=
+

2
(k n )
(k + n)
0 2
0
1
1
=
[sin n sin k ] +
[sin( n ) sin k ]
2(k n )
2(k + n )
1 sin k sin k
=
+
2 kn
k + n
k sin k
Cn [cos k ( x )] = 2
k n2
k sin k
Cn1 2
= cos k( x)
2
k n

412
College Mathematics
5.12 Finite Sine and Cosine Transforms of Derivatives.
In the interval (0, l) , we prove the following results.
n
(1) Fs f ( r ) ( x ) =
Fc f (r 1) ( x )
l
n
(2) Fs f ( r ) ( x) = ( 1) n f (r 1) (l ) f ( r 1) (0) +
Fs f (r 1) ( x)
l
Proof : Fourier finite sine transform is given by
l
n x
Fs f ( r ) ( x) = f (r ) ( x)sin
dx
l
0
Using integration by parts,
( r 1) ( x )sin n x n
(r )

f ( x ) = f

l 0 l
l

Fs

= f ( r 1 ) (l) s i n n f ( r 1) (0)sin0

n
l

(r 1)

( r 1)

Also , Fc f

( x) = f

( r)

n x dx

( x )cos

n
Fs f (r ) ( x) =
Fc f (r 1) ( x)
l
(r )

n x dx

( x )cos

(1)

Fourier Series

Fc f 1 ( x) = [( 1) n f (l ) f (0)] +

n
Fs [ f ( x )]
l

(4)
Using r = 2 in (1) and (2), we get
n
Fs [ f ( x)] =
Fc [ f ( x) ]
l
n
n 2 2
Fs [ f ( x)] =
[( 1) n f (l ) f (0)] 2 Fs [ f ( x )]
l
l

(5)
[Using (4)]

Also, Fc [ f ( x )] = [( 1) n f (l ) f (0)] +

n
Fs [ f ( x )]
l

n 2 2
Fc [ f ( x )] (6)[using (3)]
l2
In the interval (0, ), the above results becomes
Fs [ f ( x)] = nFc [ f ( x)]
(7)
Fc [ f ( x)] = ( 1) n f (l ) f (0)

Fc [ f ( x) ] = [(1)n F ( ) f (0)] + nFs[ f ( x )]

Fs [ f ( x)] = n[( 1)n f ( ) f (0)] n 2 Fs [ f ( x )]

n x
( x)cos
dx
l

413

Fs [ f ( x)] = [( 1) f ( ) f (0)] n Fc [ f ( x)]

n

(8)
(9)
(10)

Using integration by parts,

n x + n
f ( r ) ( x ) = f ( r 1) ( x) cos

l 0 l
l

Fc

( r 1)
= f ( r 1) ()cos
l
n f
(0)cos0 +

n
l

( r 1 )

n x dx

( x )sin

Fs f (r 1) ( x)
n

Fs f (r 1) ( x ) (2)
l
[NOTE : Using the above results (1) and (2), we obtain the
following results in the interval (0, l)]
Using r = 1 in (1) and (2), we get
n
Fs F 1 ( x ) =
Fc [ f ( x ) ]

(3)
l
Fc f (r ) ( x ) = ( 1) n f ( r 1) (l ) f ( r 1) (0) +

WORKED EXAMPLES
(17) By employing the finite Fourier Cosine transform, solve the
equation Y + 3Y = e x , Y (0) = Y ( ) = 0 .
Solution : Given : Y + 3Y = e x
Using finite Fourier Cosine transform, we get,
Fc[Y ] +3 Fc[ Y ] = Fc [e x ]
(1)
In the interval, (0, l), we have
n 2 2
Fc [ f ( x)] = (1) n f (l ) f (0) 2 Fc [ f ( x )]
l
Here (0, l) = (0, ) and Y = f(x)
Fc [ y] = ( 1) n y ( ) y (0) n2 Fc ( y )

414
Given : Y (0) = Y ( ) = 0

College Mathematics

Fc [ y] = n 2 Fc [ y ]

(2)

Also, Fc[ e x ] = e x cos nxdx

0

e x ( 1cos nx + n sin nx)

=

12 + n 2

1
= 2
e x cos nx
0
1 + n2
1
e cos n 1
= 2
2
1 +n

1
(1)n e 1 for n 0
1 + n2
Using (2) and (3) in (1), we get
1
n 2 Fc[ y ]+ 3Fc[ y ] = 2
(1)n e 1
1 + n2
1
( 1) n e 1
(n 2 3) Fc [ y] = 2
2
1 +n
+1[(1) n e 1]
Fc[ y ] =
(1 + n 2 )( n 2 3)
This is denoted by fc(n) for n 0
+ (1)n e 1
f c (0) = 2
(n + 1)( n 2 3)
Put n = 0 in (4)
e 1 1 e
f%c (0) =
=
3
3
Using inverse Fourier Cosine transform,
1
2
y = f% (0) + f% (n )cos nx

n =1
Fc[ e x ] =

(3)

Fourier Series
415
n

1
2
( 1) e 1
y=
(1 e ) + 2
co s nx
3
n =1 ( n + 1)(n 2 3)
(18) Employing the finite Fourier sine transform, solve the
differential equation
in 0 x l , given
2y + y = x 2
y(0) = y(l) = 0.
Solution : 2 y + y = x 2
Using finite Fourier sine transform, we get
2 Fs [ y ] + Fs [ y ] = Fs [ x 2 ]

(1)
In (0, l), we get
n
n 2 2
Fs [ f ( x)] =
[( 1) n f (l ) f (0)] 2 Fs [ f ( x )]
l
l
2 2
n
n
Fs [ y] =
[( 1) n y(l ) y(0)] 2 Fs [Y ] [Q Y = f ( x)] Using
l
l
Y(0) = Y ( l)= 0, we get
n 2 2
Fs [ y] = 2 Fs [ y]

(2)
l
l
n x
2
Also, Fs x = x 2 sin
dx
l
0
Using Bernoullies rule,
l

(4)

(5)

n x
n x
n x

sin
cos
cos

l
l
l

Fs x2 = x 2
2x
+
2
n

n 2 2
n 3 3

l
l2
l3

0
l

n x
2 l3
n x
2
x
cos
+
cos
3 3

l 0 n
l 0

l 2
2l 3
l cos n 0 + 3 3 [cos n 1]
=
n
n
n +1 3
3
( 1) l
2l
Fs [ x 2 ] =
+ 3 3 (1)n 1
n
n
l
=
n

(3)

416
College Mathematics
Using (2) and (3) in (1), we get,
n2 2

(1)n +1 l 3 2l 3
2 2 Fs [ y ] + Fs [ y ] =
+ 3 3 (1)n 1
n
n
l

l 2 2n2 2
( 1) n +1 l 3
2l 3
(1)n 1
F
[
y
]
=
+

s
2
3 3
l
n
n

3
n
( 1) n +1 l 3 2 l (1) 1

l2

Fs [ y ] =
+
2
3 3
2 2
n
n
l 2n
Using inverse finite Fourier sine transform, we get

n x
y = Fs ( y)sin
l
n=1

( 1)n +1 2 (1)n 1
2l 4
n x
y= 2

+ 3 3 sin
2 2
n
n
l

n =1 l 2 n

(19) Using the finite Fourier Sine transform, solve the differential
equation y + ky = x 3 in 0 < x < given that y(0) = y( ) = 0 and
k is a non-integral constant.
Solution : Given : y + ky = x 3
Using finite Fourier sine transform,
Fs [ y ] + kFs [ y ] = Fs [ x3 ]
(1)
In (0, )
Fs [ y] = n[( 1) n y ( ) y (0)] n2 Fs [ y ]
Using y(0) = y( ) = 0, we get
Fs [ y] = n2 Fs [ y ]
(2)

Also, Fs [ x3 ] = x3 sin nxdx

0

Using Bernoullies rule,

cos nx

sin nx
cos nx
2 sin nx
Fs [ x 3 ] = x 3
3x
+ 6 x 3 6 4
2
n
n
n
n 0

Fourier Series

417

x cos nx 6x cos nx
Fs [ x 3 ] =
+
3

n
n

0
3
cos n 6 cos n
=
+
3

n
n

2
6
= cos n 3
n
n
6 2
Fs [ x 3 ] = ( 1) n 3
(3)
n
n
Using (2) and (3) in (1) we get
(6 n 2 2 )
n 2 Fs [ y]+ kFs [ y] = ( 1) n
n3
( 1)n (6 n 2 2 )
Fs [ y ] =
(4)
n3 ( k n2 )
Using inverse finite Fourier sine transform, we get
2
y = Fs ( y)sin nx
n =1
3

y = 2
n =1

(1)(6 2 n 2 )
sin nx
( k n 2 )n 3

418

College Mathematics

EXERCISES
1. Find the finite Fourier Sine transforms of the following
(a) x in (0, 1)
(b) 2-x in (0, 2)
(c) ax x2 in (0, a)
(d) cos x
(e) e-x
2. Find the finite Fourier Cosine transforms of the following
(a) x2 in (0, 1)
(b) x (3 - x) in (0, 3)
x
(c) 1 in (0, a)
a
3. Find the Fourier Cosine transform of the function
x in 0 < x <

2
f ( x) =
x in 2 < x <
4. Find the Fourier Cosine transform of the function
1 in 0 < x < 1
f (x) =
0 in 1 < x < 2
x
( 1) n +1
5. Show that the Finite Fourier Sine transform of
is

n
6. Show that the finite Fourier Sine transform of f ( x ) = e a x in
n
(0, ) is 2
[1 + (1)n +1 eax ]
a + n2
7. Find the finite Fourier Sine transform of
(i) sin ax and (ii) cos ax.
8. Find the finite Fourier Cosine transform of sin ax.
9. Find f(x) in (0, ) given.
1 cos n
(a) Fs ( n ) =
n3

Fourier Series

n
1 cos n
2
(c) Fc ( n ) =
,
n
=
1,2,3,.....,
F
(0)
=
c
n3
2

(d) Fc ( n ) = 2 , n = 1,2,3,....., Fc (0) =

2n
3
10. If k is a constant and 0 < x < l, then prove that

419

(b) Fs ( n) =

cosh k (l k )
kl 2
Cn1 2 2 2 2 =
sinh al
k l + n
11. Solve the following differential equations.
(a)
y 2 y = e 2 x , 0 x , given y (0) = y ( ) = 0
using Fourier finite Cosine transform.
(b) y y = xsin x in 0 x given y(0) = y ( ) = 0
using Fourier finite Sine transform.
(c) y y = e x in 0 x , given y(0) = y( ) = 0 using
Fourier finite Sine transform.
(d) 2 y + y = sin 2 x in 0 x , given y (0) = y ( ) = 0
using Fourier finite Sine transform.
x
(e) y + y = sin , 0 < x < give n y (0) = y ( ) = 0 using
2
Fourier finite Cosine transform.

ANSWERS
n +1

1.

( 1)
4
(b)
n
n
{1 ( 1) n }2 a3
(c)
(d) 0 for n = 1 and
n3 3
n
{1 (1)n +1}n
for n = 2, 3, 4, . (e)
[1 ( 1)n e ]
2
n 1
1 + n2

(a)

420

College Mathematics

2( 1)
2(1)
(b)
2 2
n
n2 2
[( 1) n 1]a
( c)
n 2 2
1 + (1)n 2
n
2 cos
2
n
n
2
2
n
sin
n
2
0 if n a , a is an int eger and n = 1,2,3,...

(i) Fs ( n) =
in n = a , nisapositive int eger.
2
n[1 + (1)n cos a ]
(ii) Fc ( n) =
n 2 a2
if
n a, niseven
0

Fc ( n) = 2a
n a, nisodd
a 2 n 2 if

2 1 cos n
1
(a)
(b)
sin
n

2
sin nx

3
n=1
n

n =1 n
2 1 cos n
1 1
(c)
+
sin
n

(d)
+ sin nx

2 n=1
n2
3 n =1 n 2

1 e2 x 4 ( 1) n e2 x 1
y
=
+ 2
cos nx
(a)
4
n =1 ( n + 2)( n 2 + 4)
n

2.

3.
4.
7.

8.

9.

11.

(a)

(b) y =

2
4n
sin x +
sin nx
2
2
8
n = 2,4,6,.. (n 1)

2 [(1)n e 1]
(c) y =
sin nx
n =1 (1 + n2 )2

Fourier Series
(d) y = 2

(e) y =

421

1
1
+ 2
sin nx
n 4
n =1,3,5,... 2 n

2 4
1

cos nx
2
n =1 4 n 1 n 2 + 1

)(