Find the period of the function

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the period of the function f(x) = cos(cos(x)) + cos(sin(x)). Participants are exploring the periodic nature of the cosine function and its implications when applied to other functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants note the known period of cos(x) and sin(x) as 2π, questioning how this applies when these functions are used as arguments in another cosine function. Others suggest sketching the graph to identify potential shorter periods and discuss the implications of the sum of the two functions.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively exploring different approaches to determine the period, including graphing and considering the effects of function composition. There is a recognition of the need to analyze the individual components of the function and their interactions, with hints provided to guide further exploration.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention plotting the function for specific intervals and express uncertainty about the resulting periods, indicating a need for further investigation into the combined behavior of the terms in the function.

utkarshakash
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Homework Statement


Find period of the function
f(x)=cos(cosx)+cos(sin x)

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


the period of cosx=sinx=2∏. But here cosx and sinx are itself arguments to cosine function.
 
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utkarshakash said:

Homework Statement


Find period of the function
f(x)=cos(cosx)+cos(sin x)

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


the period of cosx=sinx=2∏. But here cosx and sinx are itself arguments to cosine function.

Ok, then f(x)=f(x+2pi) is definitely true. You just have to figure out is there are any shorter periods. Sketching a graph will help.
 
Dick said:
Ok, then f(x)=f(x+2pi) is definitely true. You just have to figure out is there are any shorter periods. Sketching a graph will help.

OK so how do you graph these kinds of functions manually?
 
Hint: Plot the function for multiples of pi/4.

ehild
 
Last edited:
ehild said:
Hint: Plot the function for multiples of pi/4.

ehild

Ok I plotted functions cos(cosx) and cos(sinx) separately for multiples of pi/4 and got the respectives periods as pi. But the given function is sum of both functions. So I took the LCM of periods of both functions which comes out to be pi. But the correct answer is pi/2.
 
Plot the whole function.
It stays the same if the terms are interchanged. What are cos(cos(x+pi/2)) and cos(sin(x+pi/2)) equal to? Expand the arguments.

ehild
 

Attachments

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Last edited:
You might also find the identity
$$\cos a + \cos b = 2\cos\left(\frac{a+b}{2}\right) \cos\left(\frac{a-b}{2}\right)$$ useful.
 

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