Periodic Function: Prove Smallest Positive Period

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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.

Andrei1
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One period of the function $$f(x)=\operatorname{tg}\frac{11x}{34}+\operatorname{ctg}\frac{13x}{54}$$ is $$918\pi.$$ Please help me to prove that this is the smallest positive period. I can not use the most of trigonometric identities.
 
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Andrei said:
One period of the function $$f(x)=\operatorname{tg}\frac{11x}{34}+\operatorname{ctg}\frac{13x}{54}$$ is $$918\pi.$$ Please help me to prove that this is the smallest positive period. I can not use the most of trigonometric identities.
The tangent and cotangent functions both have period $\pi$. So the function $\tan\frac{11x}{34}$ will repeat at intervals $\frac{34\pi}{11}$, and $\cot\frac{13x}{54}$ will repeat at intervals $\frac{54\pi}{13}$. You need to find the least common multiple of those two intervals.
 
Opalg said:
You need to find the least common multiple of those two intervals.
$$T=918\pi$$ is the least common multiple of those periods. I found this. But why it is the smallest positive period of $$f$$?
For example, I consider the functions $$f_1(x)=\sin x$$ and $$f_2(x)=\operatorname{tg} x-\sin x$$, which both have $$2\pi$$ as main period. But then $$\pi$$ is the main period of $$f_1+f_2$$, which is not the least common multiple of $$2\pi.$$
 
Andrei said:
$$T=918\pi$$ is the least common multiple of those periods. I found this. But why it is the smallest positive period of $$f$$?
For example, I consider the functions $$f_1(x)=\sin x$$ and $$f_2(x)=\operatorname{tg} x-\sin x$$, which both have $$2\pi$$ as main period. But then $$\pi$$ is the main period of $$f_1+f_2$$, which is not the least common multiple of $$2\pi.$$
You could look at the set of points at which $f(x)$ becomes infinite (or is undefined). That will happen at the points $x = \bigl(\frac{34}{11}k + \frac12\bigr)\pi$ and $x = \frac{54}{13}k\pi$ (and nowhere else). I think you should find that that set of points does not repeat at intervals of less than $918\pi$.
 

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