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Least Period


The smallest n for which a point x_0 is a periodic point of a function f so that f^n(x_0)=x_0. For example, for the function f(x)=-x, all points x have period 2 (including x=0). However, x=0 has a least period of 1. The analogous concept exists for a periodic sequence, but not for a periodic function. The least period is also called the exact period.


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Cite this as:

Weisstein, Eric W. "Least Period." From MathWorld--A Wolfram Web Resource. https://mathworld.wolfram.com/LeastPeriod.html

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