The period of a function is an area of its domain that contains a unique set of values. After these values have been graphed once over the domain of the function, the exact same values repeat, in many cases infinitely across the domain of the function. A common example of this is trigonometric functions that are periodic across their entire domain from negative to positive infinity. Functions that do not possess periodic segments are said to be aperiodic.
- Graph paper
- Graphing calculator
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Instructions
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1
Graph the function using graph paper or a graphing calculator.
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2
Follow the graph until you find two maxima, lowest or highest value, points of equal value. For example, the sine function has repeated maxima points at f (x) = pi / 2 and 5 pi / 2.
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3
Subtract the second maxima point from the first. This returns the period of the function. From the example above (5 pi / 2) - (pi / 2) = 2 pi, thus the sine the function has a period of two pi.