Periodic function
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A periodic function is a function that repeats its values at regular intervals. A non-zero number P is a period when f(x + P) = f(x) for every value of x in the domain.
The smallest positive period, when one exists, is called the fundamental period. Sine and cosine are periodic with fundamental period 2π, while a constant function has every non-zero number as a period.
Periodic functions model repeating behaviour such as rotations, seasons, oscillations, alternating currents, sound waves, and clock motion. They can be continuous, discontinuous, smooth, or defined only on discrete points.
Fourier analysis decomposes many periodic functions into harmonic components. Periodicity is also important in differential equations, dynamical systems, number theory, signal processing, and crystallography.
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- Source / publisher: Wikipedia
- URL type: WWW
- Credits: Wikipedia
- URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Periodic_function