BMCG 1013

DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

FOURIER SERIES
(Fourier Sine Series, Fourier Cosine Series &
Half-range)

Rahifa Ranom
[email protected]
Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this week lesson, students should be

able to:
i. Find the Fourier Series for odd and even function
ii. Determine the Fourier Series of half range
 CHAPTER 4
Fourier Series

❑ Fourier Sine Series (odd function)

❑ Fourier Cosine Series (even function)

❑ Fouries Series of half-range function

4.4 Fourier Odd and Even Series
Types of
functions Formula Used

Odd • Fourier Sine Series

𝑓(𝑥) Even • Fourier Cosine Series

Neither • Fourier Series

Note that: The odd and even function can also be solved using
Fourier Series for interval [−𝐿, 𝐿]
4.4.1 Fourier Sine Series (also known as Fourier odd series)

If the function, 𝑓(𝑡) is odd, then Fourier Series is given as

∞
𝑛𝜋𝑡
𝑓 𝑡 = ෍ 𝑏𝑛 sin
𝐿
𝑛=1

for interval −𝐿, 𝐿 where 𝑎0 = 0, 𝑎𝑛 = 0 and

𝐿
2 𝑛𝜋𝑡
𝑏𝑛 = න 𝑓 𝑡 sin 𝑑𝑡
𝐿 𝐿
0
4.4.2 Fourier Cosine Series (also known as Fourier even series)

If the function, 𝑓(𝑡) is even, then Fourier Series is given as

∞
𝑎0 𝑛𝜋𝑡
𝑓 𝑡 = + ෍ 𝑎𝑛 cos
2 𝐿
𝑛=1

for interval −𝐿, 𝐿 where 𝑏𝑛 = 0 and

𝐿
2
𝑎0 = න 𝑓(𝑡) 𝑑𝑡
𝐿
0

𝐿
2 𝑛𝜋𝑡
𝑎𝑛 = න 𝑓 𝑡 cos 𝑑𝑡
𝐿 𝐿
0

Note that: If the function is neither an odd or an even function, then use
Fourier Series
Example 4.8

Sketch the graph of the following function

𝑓 𝑡 = 𝑡2; −2 < 𝑡 < 2; 𝑓 𝑡 + 4 = 𝑓(𝑡)
over the interval −6 < 𝑡 < 6. Determine whether the function is odd,
even or neither function, hence find the Fourier Series of the function.
Example 4.8 – Solution
Firstly, sketch the 𝑓 𝑡 = 𝑡 2 , −2 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 2.

Then, with 𝑇 = 4, extend the plot within the interval −6 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 6 by

repeating itself identically.

𝑓 𝑡 = 𝑡 2 ; −2 < 𝑡 < 2
Example 4.8

The sketch is symmetric about 𝑦 −axis and 𝑓(−𝑡) = 𝑓(𝑡), therefore this
function is an even function. The Fourier Series can be obtained using
Fourier Cosine Series.
∞
𝑎0 𝑛𝜋𝑡
𝑓 𝑡 = + ෍ 𝑎𝑛 cos
2 𝐿
𝑛=1

Here 𝐿 = 2 and 𝑏𝑛 = 0;
𝐿 2 2
2 2 2
𝑡3 8
𝑎0 = න 𝑓(𝑡) 𝑑𝑡 = න 𝑡 𝑑𝑡 = อ =
𝐿 2 3 3
0 0 0

𝐿 2
2 𝑛𝜋𝑡 2 𝑛𝜋𝑡
𝑎𝑛 = න 𝑓 𝑡 cos 𝑑𝑡 = න 𝑡 2 cos 𝑑𝑡
𝐿 𝐿 2 2
0 0
Tabular
Method
Example 4.8
2
2
𝑛𝜋𝑡
𝑎𝑛 = න 𝑡 cos 𝑑𝑡
2
0 Diff Int
2
2𝑡 2 𝑛𝜋𝑡 8𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑡 16 𝑛𝜋𝑡
= sin + cos − 3 sin 2 อ
𝑛𝜋 2 𝑛𝜋 2 𝑛
2 𝑛𝜋
= −1 0
=0 =0
8 16 16
= sin 𝑛𝜋 + cos 𝑛𝜋 − sin 𝑛𝜋
𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋 2 𝑛𝜋 3
16 =0
− − sin 0
𝑛𝜋 3
16
= 2
−1 𝑛
𝑛𝜋

∞
4 16 𝑛 cos
𝑛𝜋𝑡
𝑓 𝑡 = +෍ −1
3 𝑛𝜋 2 2
𝑛=1
Example 4.9

Sketch the periodic function

𝑓 𝑡 = 𝑡 , −1 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 1,
𝑓 𝑡 + 2 = 𝑓(𝑡)
within the interval −3 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 3. Determine whether the function is odd,
even or neither function, hence find the Fourier Series of the function.
Example 4.9 - Solution
Firstly, sketch the 𝑓 𝑡 = 𝑡 , −1 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 1.

Then, with 𝑇 = 2, extend the plot within the interval −3 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 3 by

repeating itself identically. The sketch is symmetric about 𝑦 -axis,
hence the function is an even function.
Example 4.9

The Fourier Series can be obtained using Fourier Cosine Series.

∞
𝑎0 𝑛𝜋𝑡
𝑓 𝑡 = + ෍ 𝑎𝑛 cos
2 𝐿
𝑛=1

Here 𝐿 = 1 and 𝑏𝑛 = 0;
𝐿 1 1
2 2 𝑡2
𝑎0 = න 𝑓(𝑡) 𝑑𝑡 = න 𝑡 𝑑𝑡 = 2 อ = 1
𝐿 1 2
0 0 0

𝐿 1
2 𝑛𝜋𝑡 2 𝑛𝜋𝑡
𝑎𝑛 = න 𝑓 𝑡 cos 𝑑𝑡 = න 𝑡 cos 𝑑𝑡
𝐿 𝐿 1 1
0 0

Tabular
Note that: 𝑓(𝑡) = 𝑡, 0 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 1. Method
Example 4.9

1 1
𝑛𝜋𝑡 𝑡 1
𝑎𝑛 = 2 න 𝑡 cos 𝑑𝑡 = 2 sin 𝑛𝜋𝑡 + 2 cos 𝑛𝜋𝑡 ቤ
1 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋 0 Diff Int
0 = −1 𝑛
=1
1 =0 1 1
=2 sin 𝑛𝜋 + 2 cos 𝑛𝜋 − 2 cos 0
𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋
2 𝑛 −1)
= ( −1
𝑛𝜋 2

∞
1 2 𝑛 −1) cos 𝑛𝜋𝑡
𝑓 𝑡 = +෍ 2 ( −1
2 𝑛𝜋
𝑛=1
Example 4.10

Sketch the periodic function

𝑓 𝑡 = −𝑡, −𝜋 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 𝜋,
𝑓 𝑡 + 2𝜋 = 𝑓(𝑡)
within the interval −3𝜋 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 3𝜋. Determine whether the function is
odd, even or neither function, hence find the Fourier Series of the
function.
Example 4.10 - Solution
Firstly, sketch the 𝑓 𝑡 = −𝑡, −𝜋 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 𝜋.

Then, with 𝑇 = 2𝜋, extend the plot within the interval −3𝜋 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 3𝜋
by repeating itself identically. The sketch is symmetric about the
origin, hence the function is an odd function.

𝑓 𝑡 = −𝑡; −𝜋 < 𝑡 < 𝜋

Example 4.10

The Fourier Series can be obtained using Fourier Sine Series.

∞
𝑛𝜋𝑡
𝑓 𝑡 = ෍ 𝑏𝑛 sin
𝐿
𝑛=1

Here 𝐿 = 𝜋 and 𝑎0 = 0, 𝑎𝑛 = 0;
𝐿 𝜋
2 𝑛𝜋𝑡 2 𝑛𝜋𝑡
𝑏𝑛 = න 𝑓 𝑡 sin 𝑑𝑡 = න −𝑡 sin 𝑑𝑡
𝐿 𝐿 𝜋 𝜋
0 0

Tabular
Method
Example 4.10

𝜋 𝜋
2 𝑡 1 Diff Int
𝑏𝑛 = න −𝑡 sin 𝑛𝑡 𝑑𝑡 = cos 𝑛𝑡 − 2 sin 𝑛𝑡ቤ
𝜋 𝑛 𝑛 0
0
2 𝜋 1 =0 1 =0
= cos 𝑛𝜋 − 2 sin 𝑛𝜋 − 2 sin 0
𝜋 𝑛 𝑛 𝑛
𝑛
= −1

2 𝑛
= −1
𝑛
∞
2 𝑛 sin 𝑛𝑡
𝑓 𝑡 =෍ −1
𝑛
𝑛=1
Exercise 4.5
1. Sketch the periodic function
−1; −𝜋 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 0
𝑓 𝑡 =ቊ ,
1; 0 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 𝜋
𝑓 𝑡 + 2𝜋 = 𝑓(𝑡)
within the interval −3𝜋 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 3𝜋. Determine whether the function is odd, even
or neither function, hence find the Fourier Series of the function.

2. Sketch the periodic function

𝑡 + 1; −1 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 0
𝑓 𝑡 =ቊ
−𝑡 + 1; 0 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 1
𝑓 𝑡 + 2 = 𝑓(𝑡)
within the interval −3 ≤ 𝑡 ≤ 3. Determine whether the function is odd, even or
neither function, hence find the Fourier Series of the function.
Answers:
2
1. 𝑓 𝑡 = σ∞
𝑛=1 𝜋𝑛
1 + −1 𝑛+1
sin 𝑛𝑡
1 2
2. 𝑓 𝑡 = + σ∞
𝑛=1 𝑛𝜋 2 1 + −1 𝑛+1
cos 𝑛𝜋𝑡
2
4.5 Half-Range Series

A periodic function with period 𝑇 = 2𝐿 is defined over the half-

range 0 < 𝑡 < 𝐿 instead of the full-range −𝐿 < 𝑡 < 0. The function
may be expanded in a series of sine terms (odd function) or of
cosine terms (even function). The series is called a half-range
Fourier series.

The half-range function can be expanded into

• Even Function: Use Fourier Cosine Series
• Odd Function: Use Fourier Sine Series
Example 4.11
Sketch the function 𝑓 𝑡 = 𝑡, 0 < 𝑡 < 2.
Example 4.11
Expansion of the function 𝑓 𝑡 = 𝑡, 0 < 𝑡 < 2.
Expand the function to an Expand the function to an
even function which is odd function which is
symmetric about 𝑦-axis. symmetric about the origin.
Example 4.12
Find the half-range Fourier series for the function
𝑓 𝑡 = 𝑡, 0 < 𝑡 < 2
using

a) Even Function Expansion

b) Odd Function Expansion

Solution:

a) The plot of even function expansion in the

interval −6,6 where 𝐿 = 2; 𝑇 = 4.
Since it is an even function, use Fourier Cosine
Series formula for the series.
∞
𝑎0 𝑛𝜋𝑡
𝑓 𝑡 = + ෍ 𝑎𝑛 cos
2 𝐿
𝑛=1
𝐿 𝐿
2 2 𝑛𝜋𝑡
𝑏𝑛 = 0; 𝑎0 = න 𝑓(𝑡) 𝑑𝑡; 𝑎𝑛 = න 𝑓 𝑡 cos 𝑑𝑡
𝐿 𝐿 𝐿
0 0
Example 4.12
Solution:
𝐿 2 2
2 2 𝑡2 Diff Int
𝑎0 = න 𝑓(𝑡) 𝑑𝑡 = න 𝑡𝑑𝑡 = =2
𝐿 2 2 0
0 0
𝐿 2
2 𝑛𝜋𝑡 2 𝑛𝜋𝑡
𝑎𝑛 = න 𝑓 𝑡 cos 𝑑𝑡 = න 𝑡 cos 𝑑𝑡
𝐿 𝐿 2 2
0 0
2
2𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑡 4 𝑛𝜋𝑡
= sin + cos
𝑛𝜋 2 𝑛𝜋 2 2 0
4 4 4 4 𝑛
= sin 𝑛𝜋 + cos 𝑛𝜋 − = −1 −1
𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋 2 𝑛𝜋 2 𝑛𝜋 2

The Fourier Series of the even function expansion is

∞ ∞
𝑎0 𝑛𝜋𝑡 4 𝑛
𝑛𝜋𝑡
𝑓 𝑡 = + ෍ 𝑎𝑛 cos =1+෍ −1 − 1 cos
2 𝐿 𝑛𝜋 2 2
𝑛=1 𝑛=1
Example 4.12
Solution:

b) The plot of an odd function expansion in

the interval −6,6 where 𝐿 = 2; 𝑇 = 4.

Since it is an odd function, use Fourier Sine

Series formula for the series.
∞
𝑛𝜋𝑡
𝑓 𝑡 = ෍ 𝑏𝑛 sin
𝐿
𝑛=1
𝐿
2 𝑛𝜋𝑡
𝑎0 = 𝑎𝑛 = 0; 𝑏𝑛 = න 𝑓 𝑡 sin 𝑑𝑡
𝐿 𝐿
0
Example 4.12

Solution:

𝐿 2 Diff Int
2 𝑛𝜋𝑡 2 𝑛𝜋𝑡
𝑏𝑛 = න 𝑓 𝑡 sin 𝑑𝑡 = න 𝑡 sin 𝑑𝑡
𝐿 𝐿 2 2
0 0
2
2𝑡 𝑛𝜋𝑡 4 𝑛𝜋𝑡
= − cos + sin
𝑛𝜋 2 𝑛𝜋 2 2 0
4 4 4 𝑛+1
=− cos 𝑛𝜋 + sin 𝑛𝜋 = −1
𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋 2 𝑛𝜋

The Fourier Series of the odd function expansion is

∞ ∞
𝑛𝜋𝑡 4 𝑛+1 sin
𝑛𝜋𝑡
𝑓 𝑡 = ෍ 𝑏𝑛 sin =෍ −1
𝐿 𝑛𝜋 2 2
𝑛=1 𝑛=1
Example 4.13
Find the half-range Fourier series for the function
𝑓 𝑡 = 1 − 𝑡 2, 0 < 𝑡 < 1
using
a) Even Function Expansion
b) Odd Function Expansion

Solution:

a) The plot of even function expansion in the

interval −3,3 where 𝐿 = 1; 𝑇 = 2.
Since it is an even function, use Fourier
Cosine Series formula for the series.
∞
𝑎0 𝑛𝜋𝑡
𝑓 𝑡 = + ෍ 𝑎𝑛 cos
2 𝐿
𝑛=1
𝐿 𝐿
2 2 𝑛𝜋𝑡
𝑏𝑛 = 0; 𝑎0 = න 𝑓(𝑡) 𝑑𝑡; 𝑎𝑛 = න 𝑓 𝑡 cos 𝑑𝑡
𝐿 𝐿 𝐿
0 0
Example 4.13
Solution:
𝐿 1 1
2 2 2
𝑡3 1 4
𝑎0 = න 𝑓(𝑡) 𝑑𝑡 = න 1 − 𝑡 𝑑𝑡 = 𝑡 − =2 1− =
𝐿 1 3 0
3 3
0 0
𝐿 1 Diff Int
2 𝑛𝜋𝑡 2
𝑎𝑛 = න 𝑓 𝑡 cos 𝑑𝑡 = න 1 − 𝑡 2 cos 𝑛𝜋𝑡 𝑑𝑡
𝐿 𝐿 1
0 0
1
(1 − 𝑡 2 ) 2𝑡 2
=2 sin 𝑛𝜋𝑡 − cos 𝑛𝜋𝑡 + sin 𝑛𝜋𝑡
𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋 2 𝑛𝜋 3 0
2 2 4 𝑛+1
=2 − cos 𝑛𝜋 + sin 𝑛𝜋 − 0 = −1
𝑛𝜋 2 𝑛𝜋 3 𝑛𝜋 2

The Fourier Series of the even function expansion is

∞ ∞
𝑎0 𝑛𝜋𝑡 2 4
𝑓 𝑡 = + ෍ 𝑎𝑛 cos = +෍ 2
−1 𝑛+1 cos 𝑛𝜋𝑡
2 𝐿 3 𝑛𝜋
𝑛=1 𝑛=1
Example 4.13

Solution:

b) The plot of an odd function expansion

in the interval −3,3 where 𝐿 = 1; 𝑇 = 2.

Since it is an odd function, use Fourier

Sine Series formula for the series.
∞
𝑛𝜋𝑡
𝑓 𝑡 = ෍ 𝑏𝑛 sin
𝐿
𝑛=1
𝐿
2 𝑛𝜋𝑡
𝑎0 = 𝑎𝑛 = 0; 𝑏𝑛 = න 𝑓 𝑡 sin 𝑑𝑡
𝐿 𝐿
0
Example 4.13
Diff Int

Solution:

𝐿 1
2 𝑛𝜋𝑡 2
𝑏𝑛 = න 𝑓 𝑡 sin 𝑑𝑡 = න 1 − 𝑡 2 sin 𝑛𝜋𝑡 𝑑𝑡
𝐿 𝐿 1
0 0
1
1−𝑡2 2𝑡 2
=2 − cos 𝑛𝜋𝑡 − sin 𝑛𝜋𝑡 − 3 cos 𝑛𝜋𝑡
𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋 2 𝑛𝜋
0
2 2 1 2
=2 − sin 𝑛𝜋 − cos 𝑛𝜋 − − −
𝑛𝜋 2 𝑛𝜋 3 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋 3
2 −1 𝑛 1 2 1 4
=2 − 3 + + 3 = + 3 [ −1 𝑛+1 + 1]
𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋

The Fourier Series of the odd function expansion is

∞ ∞
𝑛𝜋𝑡 1 4
𝑓 𝑡 = ෍ 𝑏𝑛 sin =෍ + 3 −1 𝑛+1 + 1 sin 𝑛𝜋𝑡
𝐿 𝑛𝜋 𝑛𝜋
𝑛=1 𝑛=1
Exercise 4.6

Given the following function,

𝑓 𝑥 = −𝑥; 0 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ π

i. Sketch the even and odd expansion of the function

ii. Find the Fourier cosine and the Fourier sine series, respectively.

Answers:
𝜋 2
a) Even: 𝑓 𝑥 = − 2 + σ∞
𝑛=1 𝜋𝑛2 −1
𝑛+1
+ 1 cos 𝑛𝑥
2
b) Odd: 𝑓 𝑥 = σ∞
𝑛=1 𝑛 −1 𝑛
sin 𝑛𝑥
Exercise 4.7

Given the following functions,

𝑓 𝑥 = 1 + 𝑥; 0≤𝑥≤1

i. Sketch the even and odd expansion of the function

ii. Find the Fourier cosine and the Fourier sine series, respectively.

Answers:
3 2
a) Even: 𝑓 𝑥 = 2 + σ∞
𝑛=1 −1 𝑛
− 1 cos 𝑛𝜋𝑥
𝑛𝜋 2
2
b) Odd: 𝑓 𝑥 = σ∞
𝑛=1 𝑛𝜋 2 −1 𝑛+1
+ 1 sin 𝑛𝜋𝑥
References

Edwards C. H., Penny D.E. & Calvis D. (2016). Differential

Equations and Boundary Value Problems, 5thEdition. Pearson
Education Inc..

Zill, D. G. (2017). Differential Equations with Boundary-Value

Problems, 9thEdition. Cengage Learning Inc
 Thank You

Questions & Answer?