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Introduction To Periodic Functions

This document introduces periodic functions, defining them as functions with repeating patterns of y-values over regular intervals, known as cycles. Key concepts include the period, maximum, minimum, axis, and amplitude of periodic functions, along with examples and exercises for identifying these characteristics. The document emphasizes the mathematical recognition and description of periodic behavior in various contexts.

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52 views4 pages

Introduction To Periodic Functions

This document introduces periodic functions, defining them as functions with repeating patterns of y-values over regular intervals, known as cycles. Key concepts include the period, maximum, minimum, axis, and amplitude of periodic functions, along with examples and exercises for identifying these characteristics. The document emphasizes the mathematical recognition and description of periodic behavior in various contexts.

Uploaded by

chiusir.hk
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Introduction to Periodic Functions

Near Moncton, New Brunswick, in Canada, people alternately walk and canoe
beside the Hopewell Rocks as the ocean tide rolls in and retreats.

Source: Hopewell Rocks - Instants/iStock/Getty Images

The motion of a swing, as well as the tides, are examples of periodic behavior. They
are actions that repeat at regular intervals. Periodic phenomena occur in many
different settings. In this lesson, we will learn to recognize and describe periodic
behavior mathematically.

Definition

A periodic function is a function that has a pattern of y-values that repeats


over regular intervals of the domain. One complete occurrence of the
smallest such pattern is called a cycle.
Example 1: Work with a partner. Which of the following functions are periodic?

Definition

For a periodic function, the horizontal distance from the beginning of a cycle to
the end of the cycle is called the period.

Definition

The maximum of a function is the y-value greater than or equal to all the y
values of the function.

The minimum of a function is the y-value less than or equal to all the y values
of the function.

Definition

The axis of a periodic function is the horizontal halfway line between the
maximum and the minimum. Its y value is the average of the maximum and
minimum values.

This line is also referred to as the axis of the curve, the axis of equilibrium, or
the midline.
Definition

The amplitude of a periodic function is half the distance between the


maximum and minimum values.

The amplitude is also called the maximum oscillation, referring to the


greatest vertical distance that a function can be from its axis.

Example 2: Work with a partner. Find the period, maximum, minimum, equation
of the axis and the amplitude of each periodic function above.
Each tick mark in the horizontal and vertical axes represents 1 unit.

Period Maximum Minimum Equation of Amplitude


Axis

Function 1

Function 2

Example 3: Work with a partner. Find the period, maximum, minimum, equation
of the axis and the amplitude of each periodic function on the
following page. Record your answers below.

Period Maximum Minimum Equation of Amplitude


Axis

Function 1

Function 2

Function 3
Example 4: The graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) shown below is periodic. Find the value of
𝑓(13).

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