Period of non trigonometric functions

[phymatter]

is there any definite way of finding the period of non trigonometric functions?

can we use f(x+t)=f(x) and solve for t from this equation?

 

[deluks917]

Most functions are not periodic. If the above equation holds for all x then f is periodic with period t. So yes solve for t.

 

[phymatter]

Most functions are not periodic. If the above equation holds for all x then f is periodic with period t. So yes solve for t.

but when we do so , we get t in terms of x ,so how does this give the period of the function?

 

[CRGreathouse]

You shouldn't, no. You want something of the form $$\forall x,\ f(x)=f(x+\text{foo})$$ where the string of symbols that make up foo are t. Of course you also need that t is not zero to call it periodic, so if the string of symbols was "x-x" then you haven't shown what you wanted to show.

Also please conserve question marks; some children in <insert third-world country> can't afford more than one a day and it looks bad to be so wasteful.