Triangle Periodic Function: Determining f1 with Heavyside Step Functions

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In summary, the problem asks to determine f1, a function that agrees with a given periodic function on [0,4] and is zero elsewhere, in terms of Heavyside step functions. This can be achieved by using filter functions, which are defined as the difference between two unit step functions. By filtering each of the four segments on the range [0,4] and adding them up, the desired function f1 can be obtained.
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Homework Statement


Consider the triangle periodic function where x=0 @ t=0; x=2 @ t=2; x=0 @ t=4; x=2 @ t=6 and x=0 @ t=8. Let f1 be the function that agrees with f on [0,4], and is zero elsewhere. Determine f1 in terms of Heavyside step functions.


Homework Equations


Determine f1 in terms of Heavyside step functions.


The Attempt at a Solution


No idea...please help??!
 
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  • #2
If u(t) is the unit step (Heaviside) function and a < b, notice that

u(t-a) - u(t-b) is 1 between a and b and 0 elsewhere. Because of that, this difference is sometimes called a filter function. So if you multiply it by any function f(t), the resulting function will agree with f(t) on (a,b) and be 0 else where. So you can put a few of these together to build sections of your sawtooth function and have 0 outside of the filters.
 
  • #3
Ok. So you filter between the points where t=0 to t=4?
 
  • #4
BrianBrian said:
Ok. So you filter between the points where t=0 to t=4?

I would guess that you would be expected to filter each of the 4 pieces on that range and add them up. So you need the equation of each of the four segments for the filters.
 

1. What is the Heavyside function and how is it used in science?

The Heavyside function, also known as the unit step function, is a mathematical function that is used to represent a sudden change in a system. It is commonly used in physics and engineering to model systems that have a sudden or discontinuous response, such as electrical circuits or signal processing.

2. How is the Heavyside function defined mathematically?

The Heavyside function is typically denoted by the symbol H(x) and is defined as follows:

H(x) = 0, x < 0

H(x) = 1, x ≥ 0

This means that the function has a value of 0 for all values of x less than 0, and a value of 1 for all values of x greater than or equal to 0.

3. What is the significance of the Heavyside function in calculus?

In calculus, the Heavyside function is used to define the step function, which is a function that jumps from one value to another at a specific point. This is important in applications such as differential equations, where the Heavyside function is used to model sudden changes in a system.

4. Can the Heavyside function be extended to multiple dimensions?

Yes, the Heavyside function can be extended to multiple dimensions. In this case, it is known as the Heavyside step function and is defined as follows:

H(x1, x2, ..., xn) = 0, x1 < 0 or x2 < 0 or ... or xn < 0

H(x1, x2, ..., xn) = 1, x1 ≥ 0 and x2 ≥ 0 and ... and xn ≥ 0

This function is commonly used in vector calculus and is useful in modeling systems with multiple inputs and outputs.

5. How is the Heavyside function related to the Dirac delta function?

The Heavyside function and the Dirac delta function are closely related. The Dirac delta function can be thought of as the derivative of the Heavyside function. In fact, the Heavyside function can be defined as the integral of the Dirac delta function. Both functions are commonly used in physics and engineering to model discontinuous systems and are fundamental tools in the study of differential equations.

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