Proving Periodicity of an Odd Function with Period p

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the periodicity of an odd function with a specified period, focusing on the properties of definite integrals and the implications of periodicity in the context of the function defined over a specific interval.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the periodicity of the function and its behavior under integration. Questions arise regarding the validity of certain steps in the proof and the implications of the function being odd.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the properties of the function and how they relate to the proof. Some participants express confusion about specific steps, while others attempt to clarify the connections between integrals and periodicity. No consensus has been reached, but there is a productive exchange of ideas.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of the problem statement, which specifies the function's periodicity and oddness, and they are examining the implications of these properties on the proof process.

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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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