Steve Nosko wrote:
"I assumed Richard`s intent here is that you only have to do the
calculation for one full period...symmetrical, then only half
period..."

Maybe an advantage of graphical representation is manifestation of the
absurd. If the wave is not symmetrical around the zero volt axis, or if
one alternation has greater squared values, it may be apparent. You may
be able to see this in the mathematical expression for the waveform too.

The effective value of both alternations must be equal for the
determination of the value of only one alternation to suffice.

Steve also wrote:
"There ia a formula for the total rms which is the square root of the
sum of the squares.""

Sounds familiar. Sounds like Pythagoras.

Best regards, Richard Harrison, KB5WZI