Chapter 2: Problem 72
The period of the function $$ f(x)=\left\\{\begin{array}{ll} 1, & \text { when } x \text { is a rational } \\ 0, & \text { when } x \text { is irrational } \end{array}\right. \text { is } $$ (A) 1 (B) 2 (C) non-periodic (D) None of these
Short Answer
Expert verified
The function is non-periodic.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the function
The function given is a characteristic function that takes the value 1 for rational numbers and 0 for irrational numbers. This type of function does not change periodically between different values in a predictable and regular manner as typically periodic functions do.
02
Define periodicity in context
A function is periodic with period \( T \) if \( f(x + T) = f(x) \) for all \( x \) in the domain. This means that the function repeats itself after every interval of length \( T \).
03
Check for periodicity for rational inputs
Substituting any rational number \( x \), the function returns 1, i.e., \( f(x) = 1 \). For a function to be periodic with non-zero period \( T \), there must exist a \( T \) such that for every rational \( x \), \( x + T \) must also map to a rational number. However, its irrationality distribution doesn't affect with a constant interval; hence no such \( T \) exists.
04
Check for periodicity for irrational inputs
Substituting any irrational number \( x \), the function returns 0, i.e., \( f(x) = 0 \). For a function to have a period \( T \), the addition of \( T \) to any irrational \( x \) should remain consistently 0. Since numerals and interval relations are independent of such consistency, no period satisfies this condition either.
05
Conclusion on periodicity
Since no fixed \( T \) exists that causes \( f(x + T) = f(x) \) for all \( x \), the function cannot be periodic. There isn't a single repeated pattern shared by all rational and irrational outcomes of the function over any interval.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Rational Numbers
Rational numbers are numbers that can be expressed as a fraction or quotient of two integers, where the numerator is an integer and the denominator is a non-zero integer. This characteristic makes them appear as finite decimals or recurring decimals. For example, the number \( \frac{2}{3} \) is a rational number, as it can be written in fraction form. Other examples include 0.5, which is equivalent to \( \frac{1}{2} \), and the repeating decimal 0.333..., which is equivalent to \( \frac{1}{3} \). Rational numbers are important in mathematics because:
- They fill in the gaps between integers on the number line.
- Every integer is a rational number, since any integer \( a \) can be written as \( \frac{a}{1} \).
- They help us understand quantities and ratios in practical life, like sharing an apple among friends.
Irrational Numbers
Irrational numbers are numbers that cannot be expressed as a fraction of two integers, which means they have non-repeating, non-terminating decimal expansions. Examples include \( \sqrt{2} \), \( \pi \), and \( e \). These numbers cannot be precisely written as fractions, hence the term 'irrational'. The significance of irrational numbers lies in several aspects:
- They complete the real number line, providing numbers that fill spaces that rational numbers can't.
- Irrational numbers are essential in geometry, often appearing in calculations involving circles and right triangles.
- They arise naturally in many mathematical constants and complex equations.
Characteristic Function
A characteristic function, in mathematics, is often used to indicate membership in a set by assigning a specific value to elements inside the set and another value to elements outside the set. In the context of the given exercise, the characteristic function assigns a value of 1 for rational numbers and 0 for irrational numbers. This type of function is a simple yet powerful tool for separating elements based on specific criteria.
Key points about characteristic functions include:
Key points about characteristic functions include:
- They map input values uniquely to a set of predefined outputs.
- In calculus and analysis, they are beneficial for defining subsets of a given domain clearly.
- Characteristic functions provide a binary output, making them easy to understand and work with.