Determining the periodicity of the sum of periodic signals

Let x(t) = x1(t) + x2(t) + … xN(t) where xj(t) is a periodic signal with fundamental period
Tj seconds, j = 1,2…N.

To determine whether x(t) is periodic, form the ratios T1 / Tj, j=2,…N. If every one of
the ratios is a rational number, then x(t) is periodic. Otherwise, it is not periodic.

If x(t) is periodic, we determine its fundamental period as below:

1. Convert the ratios T1 / Tj, j = 2,…N to a ratio of integers, with common factors
between numerator and denominator canceled out. Now the ratios will be of the
form Nj / Dj , for j=2,…N.
2. Find the least common multiple (LCM) of the Dj ‘s. Let this number be K.
3. The fundamental period of x(t), T, is then given by

T = K T1 seconds