Latest revision as of 06:10, 14 April 2010

Periodic versus non-periodic function

As part of the first homework in ECE301 this semester, we were asked to give an example of a periodic function as well as an example of a non-periodic function. Here are my answers. A precise definition of periodic function can be found on my colleague Brian Thomas' page. An animated example can be found on this page.

Read the instructor's comments here.

Periodic Functions

A periodic function is a function which repeats over a period of time. A good example of periodic functions are:

• $ \,y = sin(t) $

As you can see, this function repeats itself with a period of $ 2\pi $

• $ \,y = cos(t) $

As you can see, this function repeats itself with a period of $ 2\pi $

Non-Periodic Functions

Non periodic functions don't repeat. A good example of non-periodic functions are:

• $ \,y = x^2 $

• $ \,y = e^x $

Back to ECE301 Fall 2008, Prof. Boutin