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 $
