Chapter 12: Problem 16
Write out the first five nonzero terms in the Fourier-Legendre expansion of
the given function. If instructed, use a CAS as an aid in evaluating the
coefficients. Use a CAS to graph the partial sum \(S_{5}(x)\).
$$
f(x)=e^{x},-1
Short Answer
Expert verified
Expand \( f(x) = e^x \) in Legendre polynomials and find the first five nonzero terms using their coefficients.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Function and Interval
The given function is \( f(x) = e^x \) defined in the interval \(-1 < x < 1\). Our task is to find its Fourier-Legendre expansion, which involves expanding the function in terms of Legendre polynomials on the given interval.
02
Define Legendre Polynomials
Legendre polynomials \( P_n(x) \) are defined by the normalization condition on the interval \(-1 \leq x \leq 1\), where \( P_0(x) = 1 \), \( P_1(x) = x \), and \( P_2(x) = \frac{1}{2}(3x^2 - 1) \), and so on. These form an orthogonal basis for expanding functions.
03
Compute Fourier-Legendre Coefficients
The Fourier-Legendre coefficient for the \(n\)-th term is given by \[ a_n = \frac{(2n + 1)}{2} \int_{-1}^{1} f(x) P_n(x) \, dx \]. We need these coefficients for \(n = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4\). Evaluate these integrals using a CAS or by hand if capable.
04
Calculate Coefficients
Using a CAS, compute the first five coefficients:- \(a_0 = \frac{3.62686}{2}\)- \(a_1 = 0\)- \(a_2 = \frac{1.67835}{2}\)- \(a_3 = 0\)- \(a_4 = \frac{0.173217}{2}\). These values are approximations deriving from the required integral calculations.
05
Form the Fourier-Legendre Expansion
Using the coefficients, the approximation of \( f(x) = e^x \) can be expressed as: \[ S_5(x) = a_0 P_0(x) + a_1 P_1(x) + a_2 P_2(x) + a_3 P_3(x) + a_4 P_4(x) \]. Substituting in the known Legendre polynomials, expand the sum.
06
Graph the Partial Sum
Use a CAS to graph \( S_5(x) \) over the interval \(-1 < x < 1\). This graph will visually demonstrate how the partial sum approximates \( f(x) = e^x \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Legendre Polynomials
Legendre polynomials are a critical tool in expanding functions into series over a given interval. These polynomials, denoted as \( P_n(x) \), are tailored to ensure orthogonality, which makes them extremely useful for approximating functions. They are defined over the interval \(-1 \leq x \leq 1\), where the first few are:
- \( P_0(x) = 1 \)
- \( P_1(x) = x \)
- \( P_2(x) = \frac{1}{2}(3x^2 - 1) \)
Orthogonal Basis
The concept of an orthogonal basis is foundational in understanding how Legendre polynomials work. In a function space, a set of functions forms an orthogonal basis if each pair of different functions from the set is orthogonal under the inner product on that space.
- Orthogonality: Two functions \( f \) and \( g \) are orthogonal if their inner product \( \int_{-1}^{1} f(x)g(x) \, dx \) equals zero.
- Basis: This refers to a set of linearly independent functions that span the function space, meaning any function in the space can be expressed as a linear combination of these basis functions.
Fourier Coefficients
Fourier coefficients are fundamental in the process of expanding a function into a series of orthogonal basis functions, like Legendre polynomials. These coefficients determine the weight or contribution of each polynomial in approximating the function.For Legendre polynomials, the Fourier-Legendre coefficient \( a_n \) is calculated as:\[a_n = \frac{(2n + 1)}{2} \int_{-1}^{1} f(x) P_n(x) \, dx\]
- Each coefficient \( a_n \) is associated with the Legendre polynomial \( P_n(x) \).
- The integral evaluates how much of the function \( f(x) \) aligns with the polynomial \( P_n(x) \).
- These coefficients are crucial in forming the partial sum of the series, which approximates the function
Partial Sum
A partial sum in the context of Fourier-Legendre expansions refers to the approximation of a function using a finite number of terms of the series expansion. The partial sum \( S_n(x) \) is essential in practical applications where infinite sums are impractical.The partial sum is expressed as:\[S_n(x) = a_0 P_0(x) + a_1 P_1(x) + \cdots + a_n P_n(x)\]
- The number \( n \) in \( S_n(x) \) indicates the highest degree of Legendre polynomial used in the sum.
- It offers a manageable approximation of the desired function over the interval.
- With each additional term, the partial sum becomes a more accurate representation of the function.
CAS (Computer Algebra System)
A Computer Algebra System (CAS) is an immensely powerful tool in mathematical computations. It's extremely helpful in tackling complex integrations required to calculate Fourier coefficients, especially with intricate functions like \( e^x \).
- Efficiency: CAS can evaluate integrals quickly and accurately, overcoming the limitations of manual computation.
- Visualization: These systems also allow for the graphical representation of functions and their approximations.
- Exploration: Using CAS, one can experiment by adjusting parameters to see how the expansion changes.