# Math Help - Sawtooth Period

1. ## Sawtooth Period

Hey everyone. So we began looking at the fourier series in my class and well.. i guess i kind of understand it lol. I have to Calculate An and Bn (because it is non symmetrical) and plot this in MATLAB. However, in order to do all of that, i have to get the period and function to this sawtooth wave. I have a problem figuring out the period though.

Starting from 0, I say it is a period of 2 (T=2), but it looks as if its a period of 3 because the cycle starts again at 3. That has me a little confused.
I also have the function as:

I could really use some help figuring this out! Thanks in advance!

2. ## Re: Sawtooth Period

Originally Posted by MrCalzones
Hey everyone. So we began looking at the fourier series in my class and well.. i guess i kind of understand it lol. I have to Calculate An and Bn (because it is non symmetrical) and plot this in MATLAB. However, in order to do all of that, i have to get the period and function to this sawtooth wave. I have a problem figuring out the period though.

Starting from 0, I say it is a period of 2 (T=2), but it looks as if its a period of 3 because the cycle starts again at 3. That has me a little confused.
I also have the function as:

I could really use some help figuring this out! Thanks in advance!
The period T = 2 is close to the actual period. Can you refine it? Hint: It is not just the triangular shape

3. ## Re: Sawtooth Period

Hmm alright. Hey but what do you mean refine?

I understand this:
From 0 to 2 it goes up to y=2 and it drops to y=0 at 2 (the triangle is formed.) Then from 2 to 3 its stays at y=0.

I assume my function is correct and all im missing that last part after it drops to 2. Right?

4. ## Re: Sawtooth Period

Originally Posted by MrCalzones
Hmm alright. Hey but what do you mean refine?

I understand this:
From 0 to 2 it goes up to y=2 and it drops to y=0 at 2 (the triangle is formed.) Then from 2 to 3 its stays at y=0.

I assume my function is correct and all im missing that last part after it drops to 2. Right?
from 2 to 3 is the same as from -3 to -2. that interval is part of the period