What is the fundamental period of the function f(t)= sin6t + cos8t?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the fundamental period of the function f(t) = sin(6t) + cos(8t). Participants are exploring the concept of fundamental periods in trigonometric functions and how to combine them.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the individual fundamental periods of sin(6t) and cos(8t), questioning whether these can simply be added to find the overall period. There are inquiries about the definition of the fundamental period and its implications for the function as a whole.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on the definition of the fundamental period and its application to the given function. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need to verify assumptions about the periods, and there is a recognition of the importance of understanding the smallest period that satisfies the function's periodicity.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted uncertainty about the definitions and calculations involved, with some participants expressing frustration over the need for clearer explanations. The discussion reflects a mix of attempts to apply trigonometric identities and a desire for direct answers, which is discouraged by forum guidelines.

Luongo
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1. what's the fund. period of f(t)= sin6t + cos8t?
2. the fund period of the first term is pi/3, the second pi/4
3. do i just add the 2 fundamental periods up to get the whole fund period? also for the Fourier coefficients of this function, should i use euler's to make it into exponentials before i integrate to avoid by parts method? or just integrate as is.
 
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What is the definition of the fundamental period? Does the sum of pi/3 and pi/4 satisfy the definition?
 
fzero said:
What is the definition of the fundamental period? Does the sum of pi/3 and pi/4 satisfy the definition?
you're just asking me what I'm asking you in other words
im not sure. the fund freq is the smallest period for the function and pi/3 and pi/4 are those... summed right
 
I'm asking you because you don't seem to understand the definition and that's where we need to start to do this problem. The (fundamental) period of a function is the smallest value of T such that f(t+T) = f(t). You should verify that your guess doesn't satisfy this.

It's unnecessary to try to guess at solutions. You can use the trig sum of angle formulas to solve this equation explicitly. Otherwise you have to know something about common multiples.
 
fzero said:
I'm asking you because you don't seem to understand the definition and that's where we need to start to do this problem. The (fundamental) period of a function is the smallest value of T such that f(t+T) = f(t). You should verify that your guess doesn't satisfy this.

It's unnecessary to try to guess at solutions. You can use the trig sum of angle formulas to solve this equation explicitly. Otherwise you have to know something about common multiples.


can you save me the misery and tell me what it is? i work better once i have the solution is it pi?
 
Luongo said:
can you save me the misery and tell me what it is? i work better once i have the solution is it pi?

It would be unethical (and against the forum rules) to give the answer away when you won't attempt to work on the problem for yourself.
 
the smallest period for both is PI. thus PI should be the fund period of the sum of the two is this logic right/
 
I have the same question and I know the fundamental period is the smallest period of a function. So if we break apart the function f(x) we know that sin(6t) has a fundamental period of pi/3 and for cos(8t) the fundamental period is pi/4. I'm not quite sure how we can add these and i tried simplifying using identies but didn't get anywhere. What should be my next step?
 

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