Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around proving that the function $$f(x)=\operatorname{tg}\frac{11x}{34}+\operatorname{ctg}\frac{13x}{54}$$ has a smallest positive period of $$918\pi$$. Participants explore the periodicity of the tangent and cotangent functions and the implications of their least common multiple in determining the overall period of the function.
Discussion Character
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant states that the period of the function is $$918\pi$$ and seeks to prove it is the smallest positive period without using many trigonometric identities.
- Another participant notes that the tangent function has a period of $$\frac{34\pi}{11}$$ and the cotangent function has a period of $$\frac{54\pi}{13}$$, suggesting that the least common multiple of these two intervals needs to be found.
- It is mentioned that $$T=918\pi$$ is the least common multiple of the two periods, but a question arises regarding why it is the smallest positive period of $$f$$.
- A comparison is made with functions $$f_1(x)=\sin x$$ and $$f_2(x)=\operatorname{tg} x-\sin x$$, which both have a period of $$2\pi$$, yet their sum has a period of $$\pi$$, indicating that the least common multiple does not always yield the smallest period.
- Another participant suggests examining the points at which $$f(x)$$ becomes infinite or undefined, proposing that these points do not repeat at intervals shorter than $$918\pi$$.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express uncertainty regarding the determination of the smallest positive period, with some agreeing on the least common multiple being $$918\pi$$ while questioning its status as the smallest period. The discussion remains unresolved.
Contextual Notes
Participants do not reach a consensus on the criteria for establishing the smallest positive period, and there are unresolved considerations regarding the behavior of the function at points of discontinuity.