Find fundamental period of x(t) = cos(Pi * t)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the fundamental period of the function x(t) = cos(πt). Participants explore the relationship between angular frequency and period in trigonometric functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of the fundamental period using the formula T = 2π/ω₀, with attempts to apply it to various functions. Questions arise regarding the assumptions about the units of time and the nature of the problem (mathematics vs. physics).

Discussion Status

Some participants confirm calculations of the fundamental period for different functions, while others question the assumptions made about units and the context of the problem. There is no explicit consensus on the interpretation of the units involved.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted ambiguity regarding the units of time in the problem, as well as differing interpretations of whether the problem is purely mathematical or has a physical context.

VinnyCee
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Homework Statement



Find fundamental period of [tex]x(t)\,=\,cos\left(\pi\,t\right)[/tex]

Homework Equations



[tex]x(t)\,=\,A\,sin\left(\omega_0\,t\,+\,\phi\right)[/tex]

Which has a fundamental period [tex]T\,=\,\frac{2\pi}{\omega_0}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



[tex]\omega_0\,=\,\pi[/tex] <---- Right?

[tex]T\,=\,\frac{2\pi}{\pi}\,=\,2[/tex]

[tex]T\,=\,2[/tex]
 
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dextercioby said:
T=2 s. Don't forget the units.
"s"? What is "s"? The problem, as stated, does not have units- it is a pure function. Even if you assume "t" is time (I would not, I see no reason to assume this is a physics problem rather than a mathematics problem) why would you assume the units are seconds rather than minutes or hours?

In any case, VinnyCee, your analysis is correct.
 
Thanks for your help!

So, are the following correct?

[tex]x(t)\,=\,cos\left(3\,\pi\,t\right)\,\,\longrightarrow\,\,\omega_0\,=\,3\,\pi\,\,\longrightarrow\,\,T\,=\,\frac{2\,\pi}{3\,\pi}\,=\,\frac{2}{3}[/tex]

[tex]x(t)\,=\,sin\left(4\,\pi\,t\right)\,\,\longrightarrow\,\,\omega_0\,=\,4\,\pi\,\,\longrightarrow\,\,T\,=\,\frac{2\,\pi}{4\,\pi}\,=\,\frac{1}{2}[/tex]

[tex]x(t)\,=\,cos\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\,t\right)\,\,\longrightarrow\,\,\omega_0\,=\,\frac{\pi}{2}\,\,\longrightarrow\,\,T\,=\,\frac{2\,\pi}{\frac{\pi}{2}}\,=\,\frac{4\,\pi}{\pi}\,=\,4[/tex]

[tex]x(t)\,=\,sin\left(\frac{\pi}{3}\,t\right)\,\,\longrightarrow\,\,\omega_0\,=\,\frac{\pi}{3}\,\,\longrightarrow\,\,T\,=\,\frac{2\,\pi}{\frac{\pi}{3}}\,=\,\frac{6\,\pi}{\pi}\,=\,6[/tex]
 
Yes.
 

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