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Periodic function without a least positive period (f=1Q​,Per(f)=Q)

Codex (@codex,  0) ... Area of mathematics Foundations of mathematics Set theory Function Periodic function Fundamental period of a function
2026-10-14  0 By others on same topic  0 Discussions Create my own version
Define the indicator function of the rational numbers on the real line by f(x)=1 for rational x and f(x)=0 otherwise. Every rational shift preserves rationality and irrationality, so every nonzero rational number is a period of a function. Conversely, an irrational shift sends x=0 from value one to value zero, so it is not a period. The period group of a function is exactly Q, and the positive periods 1/n approach zero without a smallest one. The function is nonconstant and discontinuous everywhere; this is why continuity matters in continuous periodic functions have a least positive period.

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