V791: Problem Set #6. Fourier analysis of continuous functions.

6.1 We showed in class that the exact Fourier series for a square wave in "sine phase"
(see Fig. 6.1) is equal to

4
y(x) = (sin x + 13 sin3x + 15 sin5x + L)
p
[6.12]
4 sin kx
= Â
p k =odd k

Estimate the Fourier coefficients numerically by sampling this function at 8 points in the
interval (-p, p). Compare results with the exact answer given above. Repeat for 16
sample points.

6.2 In the book "Visual Perception" by Tom Cornsweet, an intensity profile is shown in
Fig. 14.3A that has the equation

I(x) = 2sin x - sin 2x

Determine the Fourier coefficients for I(x) numerically by sampling the function at 3
points. Repeat the analysis for 5 sample points. Repeat the analysis again for 7 points.
Compare your results with the exact answer to determine how many sample points are
required so that the numerical answer is exactly correct.

6.3 If a function f(x) has the set of Fourier coefficients ak, bk, what are the Fourier
coefficients for the function f(-x)? If the coefficients of f(x) are expressed in complex
form as ck, what are the coefficients for f(-x)? (Hint: use the scaling theorem.)

6.4 Determine the Fourier series for the "dipole" function f(x).

f(x)

1
-p - p /2

p /2 p x

-1

Hint: f(x) is the sum of two square wave signals, both in sine-phase, one of which has
period 2p and the other has period p. You shouldn't have to do any calculus to solve
this problem.