Fourier Series Note 9Ea4D1
1. Let's understand what the "A note" in the Fourier series refers to.
2. The Fourier series represents a periodic function $f(x)$ as a sum of sines and cosines: $$f(x) = \frac{a_0}{2} + \sum_{n=1}^\infty \left(a_n \cos(nx) + b_n \sin(nx)\right)$$
3. Here, $a_0$, $a_n$, and $b_n$ are the Fourier coefficients.
4. The "A note" likely refers to the coefficient $a_0$, which is the average (or DC component) of the function over one period.
5. The formula for $a_0$ is: $$a_0 = \frac{1}{\pi} \int_{-\pi}^{\pi} f(x) \, dx$$
6. This coefficient $a_0/2$ shifts the entire Fourier series vertically and represents the mean value of $f(x)$.
7. The coefficients $a_n$ and $b_n$ are given by:
$$a_n = \frac{1}{\pi} \int_{-\pi}^{\pi} f(x) \cos(nx) \, dx$$
$$b_n = \frac{1}{\pi} \int_{-\pi}^{\pi} f(x) \sin(nx) \, dx$$
8. Important rules:
- The function $f(x)$ must be periodic and integrable over $[-\pi, \pi]$.
- The Fourier series converges to $f(x)$ at points where $f$ is continuous.
- At points of discontinuity, it converges to the average of the left and right limits.
9. In summary, the "A note" or $a_0$ term in the Fourier series is the average value of the function over one period and is crucial for correctly reconstructing the function from its Fourier components.