Understanding Odd, Periodic Functions: Integrals and Periodic Shifts

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SUMMARY

This discussion confirms two key statements regarding odd, periodic functions with a period of 2L. Firstly, integrating an odd, periodic function over one complete period results in an integral value of zero. Secondly, translating a function f(x) by an arbitrary constant α does not alter its period, maintaining the periodicity of the function. Participants emphasize the importance of proving the second statement to understand its implications for the first.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of odd functions in mathematics
  • Knowledge of periodic functions and their properties
  • Familiarity with definite integrals and integration techniques
  • Basic algebraic manipulation and substitution methods
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of odd functions and their integrals
  • Learn about periodic functions and how translations affect their characteristics
  • Explore the concept of definite integrals in the context of periodic functions
  • Investigate the implications of function transformations on periodicity
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Niles
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Homework Statement


Hi all.

Can you confirm these statements:

1) If I integrate an odd, periodic function of period 2L over one period, then the integral equals zero.

2) If I have a function f(x) with period 2L, then f(x+alfa), where alfa is an arbitrary number, will not change it's period.

Thanks in advance.


Niles.
 
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Niles said:
Can you confirm these statements:

1) If I integrate an odd, periodic function of period 2L over one period, then the integral equals zero.

2) If I have a function f(x) with period 2L, then f(x+alfa), where alfa is an arbitrary number, will not change it's period.

Hi Niles! :smile:

(have an alpha: α :smile:)

Hint: prove 2) first (use the obvious substitution) … then use that result to prove 1). :wink:
 
Thanks for the α.

Hmm, well, does #2 really need any proof? I mean, isn't it kinda obvious? Adding a constant α will just translate the function on x-axis (either to the left or right), so the period will remain unchanged.

And for #1: I can't see the link between this and the previous question.Niles.
 
oops!

Hi Niles! :smile:
Niles said:
Hmm, well, does #2 really need any proof? I mean, isn't it kinda obvious? Adding a constant α will just translate the function on x-axis (either to the left or right), so the period will remain unchanged.

And for #1: I can't see the link between this and the previous question.

oops!

I misread 2) as ending "will not change its integral" :redface:

Prove that, and then prove 1).

Sorry! :smile:
 
I have proven that the definite integral of a 2L-periodic function is the same over any interval of length 2L.

But I still can't see what the link is between this proof/theorem and my question #1.
 
Ok, I got it now.. you were right.

Thanks!
 

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