Understanding Odd, Periodic Functions: Integrals and Periodic Shifts

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around properties of odd, periodic functions, specifically focusing on integrals and the effects of periodic shifts. The original poster seeks confirmation of two statements regarding the integration of such functions and the implications of translating them along the x-axis.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the necessity of proving the second statement about periodic functions and question whether it is inherently obvious. There is also a discussion about the relationship between the two statements, particularly regarding the integration of odd functions.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered hints and suggestions for proving the statements, while others express confusion about the connections between the statements and the implications of the proofs. There is acknowledgment of a misunderstanding regarding the statements, indicating an evolving understanding of the concepts involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the depth of discussion and the types of guidance provided. There is a focus on maintaining clarity around definitions and properties of periodic functions.

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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