Relating to period of a function.

In summary, the function f(x) = A sin(##\frac{xa}{2}##) is a periodic function with period 4π/a. This is because the period of the sine function is 2π, and when we have a coefficient in front of the variable x, the period is multiplied by the reciprocal of that coefficient. Therefore, the period of sin((a/2)x) is 2π/(a/2) = 4π/a. The formula mentioned in the conversation, f(k) = Asin(\frac{xa}{2}), does not make sense and does not relate to the period in any way.
  • #1
M. next
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If we have f(k)=Asin([itex]\frac{xa}{2}[/itex]). Then it was mentioned that f(x) is a periodic function with period [itex]\frac{Δx.a}{2}[/itex]=π. How come?

Thanks!

Please note, A and a are constants.
 
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  • #2
M. next said:
If we have f(k)=Asin([itex]\frac{xa}{2}[/itex]).
This should be f(x) = A sin(##\frac{xa}{2}##). The only variable here is x. k doesn't appear at all in the formula for this function.
M. next said:
Then it was mentioned that f(x) is a periodic function with period [itex]\frac{Δx.a}{2}[/itex]=π. How come?
This is wrong, and I have no idea where you got this.

The sine and cosine functions are periodic. The period of both sin(x) and cos(x) is 2##\pi##. The period of sin(Kx) and cos(Kx) is ##\frac{2 \pi}{K}##.

What then would be the period of sin((a/2)x)?
M. next said:
Thanks!

Please note, A and a are constants.
 
  • #3
Sorry it is x, I typed it by mistake. It should be 4π/a. But here they related the variable of the sin function "x" to the period in some way I didn't understand.. (i.e, the formula that I wrote in my first post and that you quoted second).
Thanks
 
  • #4
M. next said:
Sorry it is x, I typed it by mistake. It should be 4π/a. But here they related the variable of the sin function "x" to the period in some way I didn't understand.. (i.e, the formula that I wrote in my first post and that you quoted second).
Thanks
If the period of sin(Kx) is ##2\pi/K##, what is the period of sin((a/2)x)?
 
  • #5
I answered you previously, it would be 4π/a
 
  • #6
You said it "should be 4π/a", which I interpreted to mean that you knew that was the answer, but didn't know how it was obtained.

You asked about the formula in your first post (and that I quoted). I have no idea what they mean by that formula, especially the part with Δx.
 
  • #7
Yes. Neither do I. Thank you anyway!
 

FAQ: Relating to period of a function.

1.

What is the period of a function?

The period of a function is the length of one complete cycle of the function. It is the distance between two consecutive points on the x-axis where the function repeats itself.

2.

How is the period of a function related to its graph?

The period of a function is related to its graph by the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs on the graph. This distance is equal to the period of the function.

3.

Can a function have a negative period?

Yes, a function can have a negative period. This occurs when the function is reflected over the y-axis, causing the direction of the function to be reversed.

4.

What is the difference between the period and frequency of a function?

The period and frequency of a function are inversely related. The period is the time it takes for one complete cycle of the function, while the frequency is the number of cycles that occur in one unit of time. They are related by the equation: frequency = 1/period.

5.

How can the period of a function be calculated?

The period of a function can be calculated by finding the distance between two consecutive points on the x-axis where the function repeats itself. This can also be calculated using the formula: period = 2π/b, where b is the coefficient of x in the function's equation.

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