Proving Periodicity of an Odd Function with Period p

zorro
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Homework Statement


If f be a periodic function as well as an odd function with period p and and x belongs to [-p/2, p/2]. Prove that
gif.latex?\int_{a}^{x}f(t)dt.gif
is periodic with period p.


The Attempt at a Solution



In the solution, there is a step which I did not understand-

?\int_{0}^{p}f%28t%29dt&space;=&space;\int_{\frac{-p}{2}+0}^{\frac{-p}{2}+p}f%28t%29dt.gif


I see no property of definite integrals here. Help needed.
 
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Hi,
this step is connected with the fact that the function f is periodic:

f(t+T)=f(t+T)

so the integral of this function in an interval [a,b] is equal to the integral in [a+T,b+T].
 
But -p/2 is not a period of the function.
 
\int_{0}^{p}f(t)dt=\int_{0}^{\frac{p}{2}}f(t)dt+\int_{\frac{p}{2}}^{p}f(t)dt

then just apply the previous property at the second integral

\int_{\frac{p}{2}}^{p}f(t)dt=\int_{\frac{p}{2}-p}^{p-p}f(t)dt

I hope that it is correct :blushing:
 
How does that help? Your last integral doesnot lead to the step in the question.
 
<br /> \int_{0}^{p}f(t)dt=\int_{0}^{\frac{p}{2}}f(t)dt+\int_{\frac{p}{2}}^{p}f(t)dt<br />

<br /> \int_{\frac{p}{2}}^{p}f(t)dt=\int_{-\frac{p}{2}}^{0}f(t)dt<br />

substituting in the first equation:

<br /> \int_{0}^{\frac{p}{2}}f(t)dt+\int_{-\frac{p}{2}}^{0}f(t)=\int_{-\frac{p}{2}}^{\frac{p}{2}}f(t)dt<br />
 
Ah I was dumb there. Thank you very much for you help :smile:
 
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