# For the sum to be periodic, $f_1$ and $f_2$ must be commensurable;

For the sum to be periodic, $f_1$ and $f_2$ must be commensurable; that is, there most be a number $f_0$ contained in each an integral number of times. Thus, if $f_0$ is the largest such number, $f_1$=$n_1 f_0$ and $f_2=n_2 f_0$ ($f_0$ is the fundamental frequency and $n_1$ and $n_2$ are integers) Which of the signals are periodic:

a) $x_1(t)=2 \cos(2t) + 3\sin(5\pi t)$

b) $x_2(t)=2 \cos(4\pi t) + 5\cos(6\pi t) + 6\sin(22\pi t)$

Find the period of those that are periodic.

How can I find $f_0$? I have an idea but I don't know if it's correct for:

a) We know that $\cos(2t)$ is $\cos wt$, where $w=2\pi f$ so $f_1$ would be $f_1=2/(2\pi)=0.318$ for $3\sin(5\pi t)$, $f_2=2.5$. But how do I find $f_0$ if I don't have $n_1$ or $n_2$??? After that I'm block... what am I missing?

DON'T turn the $f_i$ into decimals. You have $$f_1={2\over2\pi},\qquad f_2={5\over2}$$ You want to know whether there are integers $n_1$ and $n_2$ such that $f_1/n_1=f_2/n_2=f_0$. That would make $f_2/f_1=n_2/n_1$, a rational number. So: is $f_2/f_1$ a rational number?
Is $10\pi/4$ a rational number? For the second signal, can you calculate $x_2(t+1)$, and compare it to $x_2(t)$? – Gerry Myerson Oct 31 '12 at 21:50