A Periodic Function Looks Like This Formula?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around understanding periodic functions, particularly in relation to a formula presented in a book that does not seem to align with the standard sinusoidal function format of sin(wt + phi). Participants explore the nature of periodic functions, including examples beyond sinusoidal forms.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion regarding the relationship between a periodic function and the standard sinusoidal function, specifically questioning how a formula in their book aligns with their understanding.
  • Another participant notes that the discussion includes periodic functions that are not limited to sinusoidal forms, mentioning a square wave as an example.
  • A participant provides a definition of periodic functions, stating that f(t) = f(t + nT) describes the behavior of such functions, where T is the period and n indicates the cycle being evaluated.
  • It is mentioned that the phase offset phi is not included in the periodic function definition because the waveform is assumed to start at zero phase.
  • A later reply asserts that the formula does match the sinusoidal function by defining f(t) as sin(wt + phi) and relating it to the periodicity condition.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the alignment of the formula with the sinusoidal function. There are competing views on the interpretation of periodic functions and their representations.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the definitions of periodic functions and the specific forms of waveforms are not fully explored, leading to potential gaps in understanding. The discussion does not resolve the mathematical steps involved in relating the formulas.

yosimba2000
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My book says this:

upload_2016-3-7_19-17-13.png


I don't understand how this works. I learned that the usual sunisoidal function looks like
sin(wt+phi), where w is frequency, t is time, and phi is some offset.

EQ 17.1 doesn't match the bolded formula above. How does this work?
 
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They are talking about periodic functions that are not necessarily sinusoidal. A square wave for example,
 
f(t) = f(t + nT)

Where 0 <= T < infinity the period of one cycle
0 <= t < T the time interval between samples within a cycle
n=0 1 2 3... which cycle you are evaluating

Looking at the RHS, the part f(t) would be one cycle of a waveform
and the full RHS, f(t + nT) is the waveform of the n th cycle.

All that is saying is that f(t) stays the same regardless of which cycle you look at, which is the definition of a periodic function.

phi isn't used here because the waveform is assumed to start at zero phase, and (t) can be any function of t , such as wt .
 
yosimba2000 said:
My book says this:

View attachment 97012

I don't understand how this works. I learned that the usual sunisoidal function looks like
sin(wt+phi), where w is frequency, t is time, and phi is some offset.

EQ 17.1 doesn't match the bolded formula above. How does this work?
Yes, it does match.

Let ##f(t) = sin(wt + \phi)##

Then ##f(t) = f(t + nT)##, where ##T = 2\pi / \omega##
 

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