AP Precalculus / Unit 3: Trigonometric and Polar Functions
3.1 Periodic Phenomena
Notes
A periodic function repeats its values at regular intervals. The period is the length of one full cycle.
- Examples: tides, daylight hours, a Ferris wheel's height.
Practice
A function repeats every 12 units. Its period is:
One full cycle.
Which is periodic?
It repeats each turn.
If $f$ has period 5 and $f(2)=3$, then $f(12)=$
$12=2+2(5)$.
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