Tutorial: Fourier series

1; −  x  0
1. Consider the following periodic function of period 2𝜋: g ( x) = 
0; 0  x  
𝜋
1.1 Determine the exact value of 𝑔 ( ).
2

1.2 What is the fundamental frequency of 𝑔(𝑥)?

1.3 Sketch the graph of 𝑔(𝑥) in the interval −2𝜋 < 𝑥 < 2𝜋.

1.4 Determine the Fourier series expansion of 𝑔(𝑥).

1.5 Is the following mathematical statement correct? Justify your answer with relevant
calculations. " 4 = 1 − 13 + 15 − 71 + "

2. ℎ = ℎ(𝑡) is an odd function with period 2𝜋 and is such the ℎ(𝑡) = 𝑡 for 0 < 𝑡 < 𝜋⁄2 and
ℎ(𝑡) = 𝜋 − 𝑡 for 𝜋⁄2 < 𝑡 < 𝜋.

2.1 Sketch the graph of ℎ(𝑡) on the interval −𝜋 < 𝑡 < 𝜋.

2.2 Calculate the Fourier series representation of ℎ(𝑡) up to and including the fifth harmonic.
2.3 Which of the following graphs (A or B) represents the third harmonic in the Fourier
series? Motivate your answer.

3. It is said the Fourier series of the function 𝑓(𝑡) = 1 + sin2 𝑡 has a finite number of terms. Do
you agree? Explain your answer in detail.