Understanding Closed Curves & Remark on Unique Extension

In summary, the conversation discusses the condition for a curve to be extended to a periodic and smooth curve. The condition states that if the curve and all its derivatives have the same value at the endpoints a and b, then there is a unique way to extend the curve to a (b-a)-periodic (smooth) curve. This eliminates the possibility of sharp edges and allows for a continuous and smooth periodic curve. However, it should be noted that this theorem only guarantees the smoothness of the extended curve, and it is still possible to extend non-smooth functions to be periodic.
  • #1
Buri
273
0
I have a question about the Remark on the page posted. When it says "If γ and all its derivatives take the same value at a and b, there is a unique way to extend γ to a (b − a)-periodic (smooth) curve γ : R → R^n" what does this exactly mean? I suppose that the condition that the derivatives have the same value at a and b is to guarantee that there won't be any sharp edges at a and b right? So it eliminates the possibilibilty of piece-wise smooth curves? And can someone please explain to me what they when when they say "there is a unique way to extend γ to a (b - a)-periodic (smooth) curve γ: R → R^n"?

Thanks for any help you guys can give me.
 

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  • #2
Anyone?
 
  • #3
there is always a unique way to extend it as a periodic function, the condition makes the extension smooth.

e.g. look att he graph of the sine function. apparently it has the same value and same (one sided) derivatives at 0 and at 2pi, so that why it extends as a continuous smooth periodic curve to the whole line.
 
  • #4
mathwonk said:
there is always a unique way to extend it as a periodic function, the condition makes the extension smooth.

e.g. look att he graph of the sine function. apparently it has the same value and same (one sided) derivatives at 0 and at 2pi, so that why it extends as a continuous smooth periodic curve to the whole line.

Ahhh I see. Thanks a lot for your help! :smile:
 
  • #5
>"If γ and all its derivatives take the same value at a and b, there is a unique way to extend γ to a (b − a)-periodic (smooth) curve γ : R → R^n"

Note that this theorem just helps establish that the periodic result is smooth.
It doesn't at all mean there's a unique way of extending a smooth curve, or that non-smooth functions can't be extended to be periodic!

Consider the function g(x)=exp(-1/x^2) truncated to be 0 for x < 0. At x = 0, the function g and all its derivatives are equal to zero. So you can always add on copies of this function to any other function without affecting the result's smoothness.
 

1. What are closed curves?

Closed curves are continuous, unbroken lines or shapes that form a loop, with no endpoints or gaps. They can be found in various forms, such as circles, ovals, and polygons.

2. How are closed curves different from open curves?

Closed curves are different from open curves in that they form a complete loop, while open curves have endpoints or gaps. Closed curves also enclose an area, while open curves do not.

3. What is the significance of understanding closed curves?

Understanding closed curves is important in various fields such as mathematics, physics, and engineering. Closed curves have unique properties that are utilized in many applications, such as in the design of bridges, buildings, and electronic circuits.

4. Can closed curves be extended infinitely?

Yes, closed curves can be extended infinitely. This is because they have no endpoints or gaps, allowing them to continue in a loop indefinitely. However, in practical applications, closed curves are often limited by the physical constraints of the materials used.

5. What is the unique extension of a closed curve?

The unique extension of a closed curve refers to the process of extending the curve beyond its original boundaries while maintaining its shape and properties. This is often used in the study of topology, where closed curves are extended to form surfaces and higher-dimensional shapes.

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