Math 112, Winter 13

7.1 - Introduction to Periodic Functions

New Formulae:
None.

Section Concepts:
A function f is periodic if there is a positive number p so that f (t + p) = f (t), for every t in the domain
of f . The smallest such value of p is called the period of f .
The baseline value of a periodic function is the midline.
The amplitude of a periodic function is the distance between the midline and peaks/valleys of the graph.

Section Goals:
Examine visual characteristics of a periodic function.
Determine the amplitude, period, and midline of a periodic function from a graph or written description.
Given a periodic function, sketch additional portions of the graph.

7.1 Focus Problem - Electrocardiogram

Math 112, Winter 13

Graphed below is the electrocardiogram from lead II of a patient. The graph measures the voltage through the
heart between the patients left leg and right arm. The scale on the vertical axis is 0.5 mV (milli-Volts) and
0.2 seconds on the horizontal axis.

1. Let V (t) be the voltage at time t. Does V appear to repeat itself regularly? Approximately how often?
We call such a function periodic.

2. Why does it make sense that the graph of V would be periodic?

3. Approximately how high is each large spike in voltage (the so-called R wave)? Include units. This
would be the amplitude of the wave.

4. On the graph above, draw a line for what appears to be the baseline voltage for the heart.
5. Assume that the thick vertical line on the left side of the graph represents t = 0 and that the line you
identified in #4 represents V = 0. Find and interpret the value (including units) of V (2).

6. Approximate at least two values of t so that V (t) = 1. Interpret your results, including units.