Sketching a periodic function and Fourier analysis

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around sketching a periodic function, specifically f(x) = x², within the context of Fourier analysis. The original poster is tasked with understanding how to represent this function periodically over the interval -3a < x < a, given that the function itself does not inherently repeat.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster questions the periodicity of the function f(x) = x², noting that it does not appear to repeat its values. They explore the implications of the interval -a < x < a as the repeating segment and seek clarification on how to sketch it over a larger range.

Discussion Status

Participants are engaging with the original poster's concerns, with some suggesting that the interval -a < x < a defines the period of the function, which is noted to be 2a. There is an indication that the original poster feels more confident in proceeding with the problem after receiving input from others.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses uncertainty about whether additional conditions are needed for the problem, highlighting a potential lack of clarity in the homework statement regarding the periodic nature of the function.

SU403RUNFAST
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Homework Statement


So i have a function f(x)=x^2 that is periodic -a<x<a and need to sketch this function from -3a<x<a. I know how to find the Fourier coefficients though.

Homework Equations


f(x)=x^2 sketch it periodically

The Attempt at a Solution


I know that a function is only periodic if it repeats its value in a given interval, so f(x)=f(x+D) where D is some distance down the x-axis where f(x) has the same value as f(x+D), and I know what a graph of x^2 looks like in my head but it does not repeat... How is this function periodic? Sketching it is the first step of my homework problem. It appears to me that the interval given -a<x<a is supposed to be the interval of which it repeats, so it would repeat -3a<x<a and a<x<3a. Is the problem given to us missing other conditions? A sketch or some ideas is helpful thanks in advance
 
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SU403RUNFAST said:
It appears to me that the interval given -a<x<a is supposed to be the interval of which it repeats,
I think that should be the case. This just means that the period is ##2a##.
 
You plot it from -a to +a and copy that picture 2a to the right, 4a etc.
 
That makes sense, thanks I can complete the question
 

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