Common forms of the Fourier series[edit]

A Fourier series is a continuous, periodic function created by a summation of harmonically related

sinusoidal functions. It has several different, but equivalent, forms, shown here as partial sums. But

in theory The subscripted symbols, called coefficients, and the period, determine

the function as follows:

Fig 1. The top graph shows a non-

periodic function s(x) in blue defined only over the red interval from 0 to P. The function can be
analyzed over this interval to produce the Fourier series in the bottom graph. The Fourier series
is always a periodic function, even if original function s(x) isn't.
Fourier series, amplitude-phase form
(Eq.1)

Fourier series, sine-cosine form

(Eq.2)

Fourier series, exponential form

(Eq.3)

The harmonics are indexed by an integer, which is also the number of cycles the

corresponding sinusoids make in interval . Therefore, the sinusoids have:

 a wavelength equal to in the same units as .

 a frequency equal to in the reciprocal units of .

Clearly these series can represent functions that are just a sum of one or more of the harmonic
frequencies. The remarkable thing is that it can also represent the intermediate frequencies and/or
non-sinusoidal functions because of the infinite number of terms. The amplitude-phase form is
particularly useful for its insight into the rationale for the series coefficients. (see § Derivation) The
exponential form is most easily generalized for complex-valued functions. (see § Complex-valued
functions)

The equivalence of these forms requires certain relationships among the coefficients. For instance,
the trigonometric identity:

Equivalence of polar and rectangular forms

(Eq.4)

means that:

(Eq.4.1)

Therefore and are the rectangular coordinates of a vector with polar coordinates

and