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Hyperbolic Functions

Hyperbolic Functions

Hyperbolic functions are defined in terms of the exponential function and share remarkable Similarities with trigonometric functions. They arise in the solution of differential Equations, the description of hanging cables (catenary), special relativity, and many areas of Physics and engineering.

Hyperbolic Functions: sinh, cosh, tanh

Adjust the parameters in the graph above to explore the relationships between variables.

Board Coverage

BoardPaperNotes
AQAPaper 1Definitions, identities, calculus
EdexcelFP2Full coverage: definitions, identities, inverses, calculus
OCR (A)Paper 1Definitions and basic identities
CIE (9231)P2Full coverage including logarithmic forms of inverses

:::info The formula booklet lists hyperbolic identities and the logarithmic forms of the inverse Hyperbolic functions. CIE requires the derivation of these logarithmic forms. :::


1. Definitions

1.1 The three principal hyperbolic functions

Definition. The hyperbolic cosine, hyperbolic sine, and hyperbolic tangent are Defined by:

coshx=ex+ex2\boxed{\cosh x = \frac{e^x + e^{-x}}{2}}

sinhx=exex2\boxed{\sinh x = \frac{e^x - e^{-x}}{2}}

tanhx=LBsinhxRB◆◆LBcoshxRB=exexex+ex\boxed{\tanh x = \frac◆LB◆\sinh x◆RB◆◆LB◆\cosh x◆RB◆ = \frac{e^x - e^{-x}}{e^x + e^{-x}}}

1.2 The reciprocal hyperbolic functions

Definition.

sechx=LB1RB◆◆LBcoshxRB,cosechx=LB1RB◆◆LBsinhxRB,cothx=LBcoshxRB◆◆LBsinhxRB\mathrm{sech}\,x = \frac◆LB◆1◆RB◆◆LB◆\cosh x◆RB◆, \qquad \mathrm{cosech}\,x = \frac◆LB◆1◆RB◆◆LB◆\sinh x◆RB◆, \qquad \coth\,x = \frac◆LB◆\cosh x◆RB◆◆LB◆\sinh x◆RB◆

:::caution Note the spelling: cosh\cosh, sinh\sinh, tanh\tanh are standard abbreviations. The reciprocals Use sech\mathrm{sech} (not sech\mathrm{sec h}), cosech\mathrm{cosech} (not csch\mathrm{csch}), and coth\coth. :::

1.3 Domain and range

FunctionDomainRange
sinhx\sinh xR\mathbb{R}R\mathbb{R}
coshx\cosh xR\mathbb{R}[1,)[1, \infty)
tanhx\tanh xR\mathbb{R}(1,1)(-1, 1)
sechx\mathrm{sech}\,xR\mathbb{R}(0,1](0, 1]

1.4 Key values

sinh0=0,cosh0=1,tanh0=0\sinh 0 = 0, \quad \cosh 0 = 1, \quad \tanh 0 = 0

sinh(x)=sinhx(oddfunction)\sinh(-x) = -\sinh x \quad (\mathrm{odd function})

cosh(x)=coshx(evenfunction)\cosh(-x) = \cosh x \quad (\mathrm{even function})


2. Hyperbolic Identities

2.1 The fundamental identity

Theorem. For all xRx \in \mathbb{R}:

cosh2xsinh2x=1\boxed{\cosh^2 x - \sinh^2 x = 1}

Proof of cosh2xsinh2x=1\cosh^2 x - \sinh^2 x = 1

cosh2xsinh2x=(ex+ex2)2(exex2)2\cosh^2 x - \sinh^2 x = \left(\frac{e^x+e^{-x}}{2}\right)^2 - \left(\frac{e^x-e^{-x}}{2}\right)^2

=e2x+2+e2x4e2x2+e2x4=44=1= \frac{e^{2x}+2+e^{-2x}}{4} - \frac{e^{2x}-2+e^{-2x}}{4} = \frac{4}{4} = 1 \quad \blacksquare

Corollary. Dividing by cosh2x\cosh^2 x:

1tanh2x=sech2x\boxed{1 - \tanh^2 x = \mathrm{sech}^2\,x}

Dividing by sinh2x\sinh^2 x:

coth2x1=cosech2x\boxed{\coth^2 x - 1 = \mathrm{cosech}^2\,x}

2.2 Addition formulae

Theorem.

sinh(x+y)=sinhxcoshy+coshxsinhy\boxed{\sinh(x+y) = \sinh x\cosh y + \cosh x\sinh y}

cosh(x+y)=coshxcoshy+sinhxsinhy\boxed{\cosh(x+y) = \cosh x\cosh y + \sinh x\sinh y}

Proof of the addition formula for sinh(x+y)\sinh(x+y)

sinh(x+y)=ex+ye(x+y)2=exeyexey2\sinh(x+y) = \frac{e^{x+y}-e^{-(x+y)}}{2} = \frac{e^x e^y - e^{-x}e^{-y}}{2}

=(ex+ex)(eyey)+(exex)(ey+ey)4= \frac{(e^x+e^{-x})(e^y-e^{-y}) + (e^x-e^{-x})(e^y+e^{-y})}{4}

=exeyexey+exeyexey+exey+exeyexeyexey4= \frac{e^x e^y - e^x e^{-y} + e^{-x}e^y - e^{-x}e^{-y} + e^x e^y + e^x e^{-y} - e^{-x}e^y - e^{-x}e^{-y}}{4}

Wait — a cleaner approach:

sinhxcoshy+coshxsinhy=exex2ey+ey2+ex+ex2eyey2\sinh x\cosh y + \cosh x\sinh y = \frac{e^x-e^{-x}}{2}\cdot\frac{e^y+e^{-y}}{2} + \frac{e^x+e^{-x}}{2}\cdot\frac{e^y-e^{-y}}{2}

=ex+y+exyex+yexy+ex+yexy+ex+yexy4= \frac{e^{x+y}+e^{x-y}-e^{-x+y}-e^{-x-y}+e^{x+y}-e^{x-y}+e^{-x+y}-e^{-x-y}}{4}

=2ex+y2e(x+y)4=ex+ye(x+y)2=sinh(x+y)= \frac{2e^{x+y} - 2e^{-(x+y)}}{4} = \frac{e^{x+y}-e^{-(x+y)}}{2} = \sinh(x+y) \quad \blacksquare

2.3 Double angle formulae

sinh2x=2sinhxcoshx\sinh 2x = 2\sinh x\cosh x

cosh2x=cosh2x+sinh2x=2cosh2x1=1+2sinh2x\cosh 2x = \cosh^2 x + \sinh^2 x = 2\cosh^2 x - 1 = 1 + 2\sinh^2 x

2.4 Osborn’s rule

Definition. Osborn’s rule states that any trigonometric identity can be converted to the Corresponding hyperbolic identity by:

  1. Replacing cos\cos with cosh\cosh and sin\sin with sinh\sinh.
  2. Changing the sign of every term that contains a product of two sinh\sinh factors.

This works because cos(ix)=coshx\cos(ix) = \cosh x and sin(ix)=isinhx\sin(ix) = i\sinh xSo each sin\sin introduces a Factor of iiAnd sin2\sin^2 introduces i2=1i^2 = -1.

Example. cos2x+sin2x=1Osborncosh2xsinh2x=1\cos^2 x + \sin^2 x = 1 \xrightarrow{\mathrm{Osborn}} \cosh^2 x - \sinh^2 x = 1. (The sinh2\sinh^2 term flips sign.)

Example. cos2x=cos2xsin2xOsborncosh2x=cosh2x+sinh2x\cos 2x = \cos^2 x - \sin^2 x \xrightarrow{\mathrm{Osborn}} \cosh 2x = \cosh^2 x + \sinh^2 x. (The sinh2\sinh^2 term flips sign, turning - into ++.)

:::tip Osborn’s rule is a useful mnemonic but should not replace understanding. Always verify Identities by direct computation from the exponential definitions when in doubt. :::


3. Inverse Hyperbolic Functions

3.1 Definitions and logarithmic forms

Definition. The inverse hyperbolic functions are:

arsinhx=ln ⁣(x+x2+1),xR\boxed{\mathrm{arsinh}\,x = \ln\!\left(x + \sqrt{x^2+1}\right), \quad x \in \mathbb{R}}

arcoshx=ln ⁣(x+x21),x1\boxed{\mathrm{arcosh}\,x = \ln\!\left(x + \sqrt{x^2-1}\right), \quad x \geq 1}

artanhx=12ln ⁣(1+x1x),x<1\boxed{\mathrm{artanh}\,x = \frac{1}{2}\ln\!\left(\frac{1+x}{1-x}\right), \quad |x| < 1}

Proof of arsinhx=ln(x+x2+1)\mathrm{arsinh}\,x = \ln(x + \sqrt{x^2+1})

Let y=arsinhxy = \mathrm{arsinh}\,x. Then x=sinhy=eyey2x = \sinh y = \dfrac{e^y - e^{-y}}{2}.

2x=eyey2x = e^y - e^{-y}

Multiply by eye^y: 2xey=e2y12xe^y = e^{2y} - 1.

e2y2xey1=0e^{2y} - 2xe^y - 1 = 0

This is a quadratic in eye^y:

ey=LB2x±4x2+4RB◆◆LB2RB=x±x2+1e^y = \frac◆LB◆2x \pm \sqrt{4x^2+4}◆RB◆◆LB◆2◆RB◆ = x \pm \sqrt{x^2+1}

Since ey>0e^y > 0 for all yyWe need x+x2+1>0x + \sqrt{x^2+1} > 0Which is always true. And xx2+1<0x - \sqrt{x^2+1} < 0 for all xxSo we take the positive root:

ey=x+x2+1e^y = x + \sqrt{x^2+1}

y=ln(x+x2+1)y = \ln(x + \sqrt{x^2+1})

Therefore arsinhx=ln(x+x2+1)\mathrm{arsinh}\,x = \ln(x + \sqrt{x^2+1}). \blacksquare

Proof of arcoshx=ln(x+x21)\mathrm{arcosh}\,x = \ln(x + \sqrt{x^2-1})

Let y=arcoshxy = \mathrm{arcosh}\,x. Then x=coshy=ey+ey2x = \cosh y = \dfrac{e^y + e^{-y}}{2} for y0y \geq 0.

2x=ey+ey2x = e^y + e^{-y}

e2y2xey+1=0e^{2y} - 2xe^y + 1 = 0

ey=LB2x±4x24RB◆◆LB2RB=x±x21e^y = \frac◆LB◆2x \pm \sqrt{4x^2-4}◆RB◆◆LB◆2◆RB◆ = x \pm \sqrt{x^2-1}

Since ey1e^y \geq 1 and y0y \geq 0: we need ey1e^y \geq 1. Both roots are positive (for x1x \geq 1), But x+x211x + \sqrt{x^2-1} \geq 1 and xx211x - \sqrt{x^2-1} \leq 1. Since cosh\cosh is not one-to-one on all Of R\mathbb{R}We restrict to y0y \geq 0Giving ey1e^y \geq 1:

ey=x+x21    y=ln(x+x21)e^y = x + \sqrt{x^2-1} \implies y = \ln(x + \sqrt{x^2-1})

Therefore arcoshx=ln(x+x21)\mathrm{arcosh}\,x = \ln(x + \sqrt{x^2-1}) for x1x \geq 1. \blacksquare

Proof of artanhx=12ln ⁣(1+x1x)\mathrm{artanh}\,x = \frac{1}{2}\ln\!\left(\frac{1+x}{1-x}\right)

Let y=artanhxy = \mathrm{artanh}\,x. Then x=tanhy=LBsinhyRB◆◆LBcoshyRBx = \tanh y = \dfrac◆LB◆\sinh y◆RB◆◆LB◆\cosh y◆RB◆.

Using cosh2ysinh2y=1\cosh^2 y - \sinh^2 y = 1:

x=LBsinhyRB◆◆LBcoshyRB    LBsinhyRB◆◆LBcoshyRB=x    sinhy=xcoshyx = \frac◆LB◆\sinh y◆RB◆◆LB◆\cosh y◆RB◆ \implies \frac◆LB◆\sinh y◆RB◆◆LB◆\cosh y◆RB◆ = x \implies \sinh y = x\cosh y

cosh2yx2cosh2y=1    cosh2y=11x2\cosh^2 y - x^2\cosh^2 y = 1 \implies \cosh^2 y = \frac{1}{1-x^2}

Also tanhy=e2y1e2y+1\tanh y = \dfrac{e^{2y}-1}{e^{2y}+1}So:

x=e2y1e2y+1    x(e2y+1)=e2y1    xe2y+x=e2y1x = \frac{e^{2y}-1}{e^{2y}+1} \implies x(e^{2y}+1) = e^{2y}-1 \implies xe^{2y}+x = e^{2y}-1

e2y(1x)=1+x    e2y=1+x1xe^{2y}(1-x) = 1+x \implies e^{2y} = \frac{1+x}{1-x}

2y=ln ⁣(1+x1x)    y=12ln ⁣(1+x1x)2y = \ln\!\left(\frac{1+x}{1-x}\right) \implies y = \frac{1}{2}\ln\!\left(\frac{1+x}{1-x}\right) \quad \blacksquare


4. Calculus with Hyperbolic Functions

4.1 Derivatives

ddxsinhx=coshx\boxed{\frac{d}{dx}\sinh x = \cosh x}

ddxcoshx=sinhx\boxed{\frac{d}{dx}\cosh x = \sinh x}

ddxtanhx=sech2x\boxed{\frac{d}{dx}\tanh x = \mathrm{sech}^2\,x}

Proof of ddxsinhx=coshx\frac{d}{dx}\sinh x = \cosh x

ddxsinhx=ddx(exex2)=ex+ex2=coshx\frac{d}{dx}\sinh x = \frac{d}{dx}\left(\frac{e^x - e^{-x}}{2}\right) = \frac{e^x + e^{-x}}{2} = \cosh x \quad \blacksquare

Proof of ddxcoshx=sinhx\frac{d}{dx}\cosh x = \sinh x

ddxcoshx=ddx(ex+ex2)=exex2=sinhx\frac{d}{dx}\cosh x = \frac{d}{dx}\left(\frac{e^x + e^{-x}}{2}\right) = \frac{e^x - e^{-x}}{2} = \sinh x \quad \blacksquare

4.2 Derivatives of inverse hyperbolic functions

ddxarsinhx=LB1RB◆◆LBx2+1RB\boxed{\frac{d}{dx}\mathrm{arsinh}\,x = \frac◆LB◆1◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{x^2+1}◆RB◆}

ddxarcoshx=LB1RB◆◆LBx21RB,x>1\boxed{\frac{d}{dx}\mathrm{arcosh}\,x = \frac◆LB◆1◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{x^2-1}◆RB◆, \quad x > 1}

ddxartanhx=11x2,x<1\boxed{\frac{d}{dx}\mathrm{artanh}\,x = \frac{1}{1-x^2}, \quad |x| < 1}

Proof of ddxarsinhx=LB1RB◆◆LBx2+1RB\frac{d}{dx}\mathrm{arsinh}\,x = \frac◆LB◆1◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{x^2+1}◆RB◆

arsinhx=ln(x+x2+1)\mathrm{arsinh}\,x = \ln(x + \sqrt{x^2+1}).

ddxln(x+x2+1)=LB1RB◆◆LBx+x2+1RB(1+LBxRB◆◆LBx2+1RB)\frac{d}{dx}\ln(x+\sqrt{x^2+1}) = \frac◆LB◆1◆RB◆◆LB◆x+\sqrt{x^2+1}◆RB◆\cdot\left(1 + \frac◆LB◆x◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{x^2+1}◆RB◆\right)

=LB1RB◆◆LBx+x2+1RBLBx2+1+xRB◆◆LBx2+1RB=LB1RB◆◆LBx2+1RB= \frac◆LB◆1◆RB◆◆LB◆x+\sqrt{x^2+1}◆RB◆\cdot\frac◆LB◆\sqrt{x^2+1}+x◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{x^2+1}◆RB◆ = \frac◆LB◆1◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{x^2+1}◆RB◆ \quad \blacksquare

Proof of ddxartanhx=11x2\frac{d}{dx}\mathrm{artanh}\,x = \frac{1}{1-x^2}

artanhx=12ln ⁣(1+x1x)\mathrm{artanh}\,x = \dfrac{1}{2}\ln\!\left(\dfrac{1+x}{1-x}\right).

ddx12ln ⁣(1+x1x)=121x1+x(1)(1x)(1+x)(1)(1x)2\frac{d}{dx}\cdot\frac{1}{2}\ln\!\left(\frac{1+x}{1-x}\right) = \frac{1}{2}\cdot\frac{1-x}{1+x}\cdot\frac{(1)(1-x)-(1+x)(-1)}{(1-x)^2}

=121x1+x2(1x)2=11x2= \frac{1}{2}\cdot\frac{1-x}{1+x}\cdot\frac{2}{(1-x)^2} = \frac{1}{1-x^2} \quad \blacksquare

4.3 Standard integrals

The derivative results immediately give:

LB1RB◆◆LBx2+a2RBdx=arsinh ⁣(xa)+C=ln ⁣(xa+LBx2a2+1RB)+C\boxed{\int \frac◆LB◆1◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{x^2+a^2}◆RB◆\,dx = \mathrm{arsinh}\!\left(\frac{x}{a}\right) + C = \ln\!\left(\frac{x}{a}+\sqrt◆LB◆\frac{x^2}{a^2}+1◆RB◆\right)+C}

LB1RB◆◆LBx2a2RBdx=arcosh ⁣(xa)+C=ln ⁣(xa+LBx2a21RB)+C,x>a\boxed{\int \frac◆LB◆1◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{x^2-a^2}◆RB◆\,dx = \mathrm{arcosh}\!\left(\frac{x}{a}\right) + C = \ln\!\left(\frac{x}{a}+\sqrt◆LB◆\frac{x^2}{a^2}-1◆RB◆\right)+C, \quad x > a}

1a2x2dx=1aartanh ⁣(xa)+C,x<a\boxed{\int \frac{1}{a^2-x^2}\,dx = \frac{1}{a}\mathrm{artanh}\!\left(\frac{x}{a}\right) + C, \quad |x| < a}

Example. LB1RB◆◆LBx2+9RBdx=arsinh ⁣(x3)+C=ln ⁣(x3+LBx29+1RB)+C=ln ⁣(LBx+x2+9RB◆◆LB3RB)+C\displaystyle\int \frac◆LB◆1◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{x^2+9}◆RB◆\,dx = \mathrm{arsinh}\!\left(\frac{x}{3}\right) + C = \ln\!\left(\frac{x}{3}+\sqrt◆LB◆\frac{x^2}{9}+1◆RB◆\right)+C = \ln\!\left(\frac◆LB◆x+\sqrt{x^2+9}◆RB◆◆LB◆3◆RB◆\right)+C.

Example. LB1RB◆◆LBx24RBdx=arcosh ⁣(x2)+C\displaystyle\int \frac◆LB◆1◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{x^2-4}◆RB◆\,dx = \mathrm{arcosh}\!\left(\frac{x}{2}\right) + C For x>2x > 2.

Example. 14x2dx=12artanh ⁣(x2)+C\displaystyle\int \frac{1}{4-x^2}\,dx = \frac{1}{2}\mathrm{artanh}\!\left(\frac{x}{2}\right) + C For x<2|x| < 2.

4.4 Integrals of hyperbolic functions

coshxdx=sinhx+C\int \cosh x\,dx = \sinh x + C

sinhxdx=coshx+C\int \sinh x\,dx = \cosh x + C

sech2xdx=tanhx+C\int \mathrm{sech}^2\,x\,dx = \tanh x + C

tanhxdx=ln(coshx)+C\int \tanh x\,dx = \ln(\cosh x) + C

:::tip When you encounter an integral of the form LB1RB◆◆LBx2+a2RB\dfrac◆LB◆1◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{x^2+a^2}◆RB◆ or LB1RB◆◆LBx2a2RB\dfrac◆LB◆1◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{x^2-a^2}◆RB◆The inverse hyperbolic functions provide the most elegant Answer. CIE and Edexcel FP2 frequently test these. :::


5. Connection to Circular Functions

5.1 The imaginary unit bridge

Theorem. For all xRx \in \mathbb{R}:

sin(ix)=isinhx\boxed{\sin(ix) = i\sinh x}

cos(ix)=coshx\boxed{\cos(ix) = \cosh x}

Proof of cos(ix)=coshx\cos(ix) = \cosh x

cos(ix)=ei(ix)+ei(ix)2=ex+ex2=ex+ex2=coshx\cos(ix) = \frac{e^{i(ix)} + e^{-i(ix)}}{2} = \frac{e^{-x} + e^{x}}{2} = \frac{e^x + e^{-x}}{2} = \cosh x \quad \blacksquare

Proof of sin(ix)=isinhx\sin(ix) = i\sinh x

sin(ix)=ei(ix)ei(ix)2i=exex2i=(exex)2i=iexex2=isinhx\sin(ix) = \frac{e^{i(ix)} - e^{-i(ix)}}{2i} = \frac{e^{-x} - e^{x}}{2i} = \frac{-(e^x - e^{-x})}{2i} = i\cdot\frac{e^x - e^{-x}}{2} = i\sinh x \quad \blacksquare

5.2 Consequences

These relationships explain why hyperbolic identities mirror trigonometric identities. Since cos(ix)=coshx\cos(ix) = \cosh x and sin(ix)=isinhx\sin(ix) = i\sinh x:

cos2(ix)+sin2(ix)=cosh2x+(isinhx)2=cosh2xsinh2x=1\cos^2(ix) + \sin^2(ix) = \cosh^2 x + (i\sinh x)^2 = \cosh^2 x - \sinh^2 x = 1

This is exactly the fundamental hyperbolic identity. More generally, replacing xx by ixix in any Trigonometric identity (and using i2=1i^2 = -1) produces the corresponding hyperbolic identity.

5.3 The Gudermannian function

The Gudermannian function gd(x)\mathrm{gd}(x) relates circular and hyperbolic functions without Complex numbers:

sinhx=tan(gdx),coshx=sec(gdx),tanhx=sin(gdx)\sinh x = \tan(\mathrm{gd}\,x), \quad \cosh x = \sec(\mathrm{gd}\,x), \quad \tanh x = \sin(\mathrm{gd}\,x)

gdx=0xsechtdt=2arctan(ex)LBπRB◆◆LB2RB\mathrm{gd}\,x = \int_0^x \mathrm{sech}\,t\,dt = 2\arctan(e^x) - \frac◆LB◆\pi◆RB◆◆LB◆2◆RB◆


6. Summary of Key Results

| Function | Definition | Inverse | | --------- | -------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------- | --- | --- | | sinhx\sinh x | exex2\dfrac{e^x-e^{-x}}{2} | ln(x+x2+1)\ln(x+\sqrt{x^2+1}) | | coshx\cosh x | ex+ex2\dfrac{e^x+e^{-x}}{2} | ln(x+x21), x1\ln(x+\sqrt{x^2-1}),\ x\geq 1 | | tanhx\tanh x | LBsinhxRB◆◆LBcoshxRB\dfrac◆LB◆\sinh x◆RB◆◆LB◆\cosh x◆RB◆ | 12ln1+x1x, x<1\dfrac{1}{2}\ln\dfrac{1+x}{1-x},\ | x | <1 |

DerivativeIntegral
ddxsinhx=coshx\dfrac{d}{dx}\sinh x = \cosh xcoshxdx=sinhx+C\int\cosh x\,dx = \sinh x+C
ddxcoshx=sinhx\dfrac{d}{dx}\cosh x = \sinh xsinhxdx=coshx+C\int\sinh x\,dx = \cosh x+C
ddxtanhx=sech2x\dfrac{d}{dx}\tanh x = \mathrm{sech}^2\,xsech2xdx=tanhx+C\int\mathrm{sech}^2\,x\,dx = \tanh x+C
ddxarsinhx=LB1RB◆◆LBx2+1RB\dfrac{d}{dx}\mathrm{arsinh}\,x = \dfrac◆LB◆1◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{x^2+1}◆RB◆LBdxRB◆◆LBx2+a2RB=arsinhxa+C\int\dfrac◆LB◆dx◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{x^2+a^2}◆RB◆ = \mathrm{arsinh}\dfrac{x}{a}+C
ddxartanhx=11x2\dfrac{d}{dx}\mathrm{artanh}\,x = \dfrac{1}{1-x^2}dxa2x2=1aartanhxa+C\int\dfrac{dx}{a^2-x^2} = \dfrac{1}{a}\mathrm{artanh}\dfrac{x}{a}+C

Problems

Problem 1 Solve coshx=3\cosh x = 3 for x>0x > 0.

Hint 1 Use the definition of cosh\cosh to obtain a quadratic in exe^x.

Answer 1 ex+ex2=3    ex+ex=6    e2x6ex+1=0\dfrac{e^x+e^{-x}}{2} = 3 \implies e^x + e^{-x} = 6 \implies e^{2x} - 6e^x + 1 = 0.

ex=LB6±364RB◆◆LB2RB=3±22e^x = \dfrac◆LB◆6\pm\sqrt{36-4}◆RB◆◆LB◆2◆RB◆ = 3\pm 2\sqrt{2}.

x=ln(3+22)x = \ln(3+2\sqrt{2}) (taking the positive root for x>0x > 0).

Problem 2 Prove that tanh2x=LB2tanhxRB◆◆LB1+tanh2xRB\tanh 2x = \dfrac◆LB◆2\tanh x◆RB◆◆LB◆1+\tanh^2 x◆RB◆.

Hint 2 Start from sinh2x=2sinhxcoshx\sinh 2x = 2\sinh x\cosh x and cosh2x=cosh2x+sinh2x\cosh 2x = \cosh^2 x + \sinh^2 x. Then divide and simplify using tanhx=sinhx/coshx\tanh x = \sinh x/\cosh x.

Answer 2 tanh2x=LBsinh2xRB◆◆LBcosh2xRB=LB2sinhxcoshxRB◆◆LBcosh2x+sinh2xRB\tanh 2x = \dfrac◆LB◆\sinh 2x◆RB◆◆LB◆\cosh 2x◆RB◆ = \dfrac◆LB◆2\sinh x\cosh x◆RB◆◆LB◆\cosh^2 x+\sinh^2 x◆RB◆.

Dividing numerator and denominator by cosh2x\cosh^2 x:

=LB2tanhxRB◆◆LB1+tanh2xRB.= \dfrac◆LB◆2\tanh x◆RB◆◆LB◆1+\tanh^2 x◆RB◆. \quad \blacksquare

Problem 3 Find LB1RB◆◆LB4x2+9RBdx\displaystyle\int \frac◆LB◆1◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{4x^2+9}◆RB◆\,dx.

Hint 3 This matches LB1RB◆◆LBx2+a2RBdx\displaystyle\int\frac◆LB◆1◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{x^2+a^2}◆RB◆\,dx after a substitution. Let u=2xu = 2x.

Answer 3 Let u=2xu = 2x, du=2dxdu = 2\,dx.

LB1RB◆◆LB4x2+9RBdx=12LB1RB◆◆LBu2+9RBdu=12arsinh ⁣(u3)+C=12arsinh ⁣(2x3)+C\displaystyle\int\frac◆LB◆1◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{4x^2+9}◆RB◆\,dx = \frac{1}{2}\int\frac◆LB◆1◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{u^2+9}◆RB◆\,du = \frac{1}{2}\mathrm{arsinh}\!\left(\frac{u}{3}\right)+C = \frac{1}{2}\mathrm{arsinh}\!\left(\frac{2x}{3}\right)+C.

=12ln ⁣(2x3+LB4x29+1RB)+C=12ln ⁣(LB2x+4x2+9RB◆◆LB3RB)+C= \dfrac{1}{2}\ln\!\left(\dfrac{2x}{3}+\sqrt◆LB◆\dfrac{4x^2}{9}+1◆RB◆\right)+C = \dfrac{1}{2}\ln\!\left(\dfrac◆LB◆2x+\sqrt{4x^2+9}◆RB◆◆LB◆3◆RB◆\right)+C.

Problem 4 Solve 4sinh2x3coshx3=04\sinh^2 x - 3\cosh x - 3 = 0.

Hint 4 Use sinh2x=cosh2x1\sinh^2 x = \cosh^2 x - 1 to obtain a quadratic in coshx\cosh x.

Answer 4 4(cosh2x1)3coshx3=0    4cosh2x3coshx7=04(\cosh^2 x - 1) - 3\cosh x - 3 = 0 \implies 4\cosh^2 x - 3\cosh x - 7 = 0.

(4coshx7)(coshx+1)=0(4\cosh x - 7)(\cosh x + 1) = 0.

coshx=7/4\cosh x = 7/4 or coshx=1\cosh x = -1 (rejected since coshx1\cosh x \geq 1).

coshx=7/4    x=±ln ⁣(74+LB49161RB)=±ln ⁣(LB7+33RB◆◆LB4RB)\cosh x = 7/4 \implies x = \pm\ln\!\left(\dfrac{7}{4}+\sqrt◆LB◆\dfrac{49}{16}-1◆RB◆\right) = \pm\ln\!\left(\dfrac◆LB◆7+\sqrt{33}◆RB◆◆LB◆4◆RB◆\right).

Problem 5 Differentiate arcosh(x2+1)\mathrm{arcosh}(x^2+1).

Hint 5 Use the chain rule with ddxarcoshu=LB1RB◆◆LBu21RBdudx\dfrac{d}{dx}\mathrm{arcosh}\,u = \dfrac◆LB◆1◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{u^2-1}◆RB◆\cdot\dfrac{du}{dx}.

Answer 5 ddxarcosh(x2+1)=LB1RB◆◆LB(x2+1)21RB2x=LB2xRB◆◆LBx4+2x2RB=LB2xRB◆◆LBxx2+2RB\dfrac{d}{dx}\mathrm{arcosh}(x^2+1) = \dfrac◆LB◆1◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{(x^2+1)^2-1}◆RB◆\cdot 2x = \dfrac◆LB◆2x◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{x^4+2x^2}◆RB◆ = \dfrac◆LB◆2x◆RB◆◆LB◆|x|\sqrt{x^2+2}◆RB◆.

For x>0x > 0: LB2RB◆◆LBx2+2RB\dfrac◆LB◆2◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{x^2+2}◆RB◆.

Problem 6 Find cosh2xdx\displaystyle\int \cosh^2 x\,dx.

Hint 6 Use cosh2x=2cosh2x1\cosh 2x = 2\cosh^2 x - 1 to express cosh2x\cosh^2 x in terms of cosh2x\cosh 2x.

Answer 6 cosh2x=LBcosh2x+1RB◆◆LB2RB\cosh^2 x = \dfrac◆LB◆\cosh 2x+1◆RB◆◆LB◆2◆RB◆.

cosh2xdx=LBcosh2x+1RB◆◆LB2RBdx=12(LBsinh2xRB◆◆LB2RB+x)+C=LBsinh2xRB◆◆LB4RB+x2+C\displaystyle\int\cosh^2 x\,dx = \int\frac◆LB◆\cosh 2x+1◆RB◆◆LB◆2◆RB◆\,dx = \frac{1}{2}\left(\frac◆LB◆\sinh 2x◆RB◆◆LB◆2◆RB◆+x\right)+C = \frac◆LB◆\sinh 2x◆RB◆◆LB◆4◆RB◆+\frac{x}{2}+C.

Problem 7 Show that ddx(LBsinhxRB◆◆LBcosh2xRB)=LBcosh2x2sinh2xRB◆◆LBcosh3xRB\dfrac{d}{dx}\left(\dfrac◆LB◆\sinh x◆RB◆◆LB◆\cosh^2 x◆RB◆\right) = \dfrac◆LB◆\cosh^2 x - 2\sinh^2 x◆RB◆◆LB◆\cosh^3 x◆RB◆ and hence find sech2xtanhxdx\displaystyle\int\mathrm{sech}^2\,x\tanh x\,dx.

Hint 7 Apply the quotient rule. Then use cosh2x2sinh2x=cosh2x2(cosh2x1)=2cosh2x\cosh^2 x - 2\sinh^2 x = \cosh^2 x - 2(\cosh^2 x - 1) = 2 - \cosh^2 x.

Answer 7 ddx(LBsinhxRB◆◆LBcosh2xRB)=LBcoshxcosh2xsinhx2coshxsinhxRB◆◆LBcosh4xRB=LBcosh3x2sinh2xcoshxRB◆◆LBcosh4xRB=LBcosh2x2sinh2xRB◆◆LBcosh3xRB\dfrac{d}{dx}\left(\dfrac◆LB◆\sinh x◆RB◆◆LB◆\cosh^2 x◆RB◆\right) = \dfrac◆LB◆\cosh x\cdot\cosh^2 x - \sinh x\cdot 2\cosh x\sinh x◆RB◆◆LB◆\cosh^4 x◆RB◆ = \dfrac◆LB◆\cosh^3 x - 2\sinh^2 x\cosh x◆RB◆◆LB◆\cosh^4 x◆RB◆ = \dfrac◆LB◆\cosh^2 x - 2\sinh^2 x◆RB◆◆LB◆\cosh^3 x◆RB◆.

Now sech2xtanhx=LB1RB◆◆LBcosh2xRBLBsinhxRB◆◆LBcoshxRB=LBsinhxRB◆◆LBcosh3xRB\mathrm{sech}^2\,x\tanh x = \dfrac◆LB◆1◆RB◆◆LB◆\cosh^2 x◆RB◆\cdot\dfrac◆LB◆\sinh x◆RB◆◆LB◆\cosh x◆RB◆ = \dfrac◆LB◆\sinh x◆RB◆◆LB◆\cosh^3 x◆RB◆.

Note that ddx(LB1RB◆◆LBcosh2xRB)=LB2sinhxRB◆◆LBcosh3xRB\dfrac{d}{dx}\left(\dfrac◆LB◆1◆RB◆◆LB◆\cosh^2 x◆RB◆\right) = \dfrac◆LB◆-2\sinh x◆RB◆◆LB◆\cosh^3 x◆RB◆.

So sech2xtanhxdx=LBsinhxRB◆◆LBcosh3xRBdx=LB1RB◆◆LB2cosh2xRB+C=12sech2x+C\displaystyle\int\mathrm{sech}^2\,x\tanh x\,dx = \int\dfrac◆LB◆\sinh x◆RB◆◆LB◆\cosh^3 x◆RB◆\,dx = -\dfrac◆LB◆1◆RB◆◆LB◆2\cosh^2 x◆RB◆+C = -\dfrac{1}{2}\mathrm{sech}^2\,x+C.

Problem 8 Express ln(2+1)\ln(\sqrt{2}+1) in the form karsinhmk\cdot\mathrm{arsinh}\,m for constants kk and mm.

Hint 8 arsinhx=ln(x+x2+1)\mathrm{arsinh}\,x = \ln(x+\sqrt{x^2+1}). Compare this with ln(2+1)\ln(\sqrt{2}+1).

Answer 8 arsinh1=ln(1+2)=ln(2+1)\mathrm{arsinh}\,1 = \ln(1+\sqrt{2}) = \ln(\sqrt{2}+1).

Therefore ln(2+1)=arsinh1\ln(\sqrt{2}+1) = \mathrm{arsinh}\,1So k=1k = 1 and m=1m = 1.

Problem 9 Find exexex+exdx\displaystyle\int \frac{e^x - e^{-x}}{e^x + e^{-x}}\,dx.

Hint 9 Recognise the integrand as tanhx\tanh x. Alternatively, use the substitution u=ex+exu = e^x + e^{-x}.

Answer 9 exexex+ex=tanhx\dfrac{e^x-e^{-x}}{e^x+e^{-x}} = \tanh x.

tanhxdx=ln(coshx)+C=ln ⁣(ex+ex2)+C\displaystyle\int\tanh x\,dx = \ln(\cosh x)+C = \ln\!\left(\frac{e^x+e^{-x}}{2}\right)+C.

Problem 10 A chain hangs between two points at the same height. Its shape is given by y=acosh(x/a)y = a\cosh(x/a) for bxb-b \leq x \leq b. Find the length of the chain.

Hint 10 Use the arc length formula s=bb1+(dy/dx)2dxs = \displaystyle\int_{-b}^{b}\sqrt{1+(dy/dx)^2}\,dx. Compute dy/dx=sinh(x/a)dy/dx = \sinh(x/a) and use the identity 1+sinh2(x/a)=cosh2(x/a)1+\sinh^2(x/a) = \cosh^2(x/a).

Answer 10 dydx=sinh(x/a)\dfrac{dy}{dx} = \sinh(x/a).

1+(dydx)2=1+sinh2(x/a)=cosh2(x/a)1+\left(\dfrac{dy}{dx}\right)^2 = 1+\sinh^2(x/a) = \cosh^2(x/a).

s=bbcosh(x/a)dx=[asinh(x/a)]bb=asinh(b/a)asinh(b/a)=2asinh(b/a)s = \displaystyle\int_{-b}^{b}\cosh(x/a)\,dx = \bigl[a\sinh(x/a)\bigr]_{-b}^b = a\sinh(b/a) - a\sinh(-b/a) = 2a\sinh(b/a).

The length of the chain is 2asinh(b/a)\boxed{2a\sinh(b/a)}.


7. Advanced Worked Examples

Example 7.1: Integration of a rational function using artanh\operatorname{artanh}

Problem. Evaluate 01/211x2dx\displaystyle\int_0^{1/2} \frac{1}{1 - x^2}\,dx using the inverse hyperbolic Tangent.

Solution. For x<1|x| < 1:

01/2dx1x2=[artanhx]01/2=artanh ⁣(12)=12ln ⁣(1+1/211/2)=12ln3\int_0^{1/2}\frac{dx}{1 - x^2} = \left[\operatorname{artanh}\,x\right]_0^{1/2} = \operatorname{artanh}\!\left(\frac{1}{2}\right) = \frac{1}{2}\ln\!\left(\frac{1 + 1/2}{1 - 1/2}\right) = \frac{1}{2}\ln 3

Example 7.2: Solving a hyperbolic equation with quadratic substitution

Problem. Solve 2cosh2x5sinhx=52\cosh^2 x - 5\sinh x = 5.

Solution. Using cosh2x=1+sinh2x\cosh^2 x = 1 + \sinh^2 x:

2(1+sinh2x)5sinhx=5    2sinh2x5sinhx3=02(1 + \sinh^2 x) - 5\sinh x = 5 \implies 2\sinh^2 x - 5\sinh x - 3 = 0

Let u=sinhxu = \sinh x: 2u25u3=0    (2u+1)(u3)=02u^2 - 5u - 3 = 0 \implies (2u + 1)(u - 3) = 0.

u=1/2u = -1/2 or u=3u = 3.

sinhx=1/2\sinh x = -1/2: x=arsinh(1/2)=ln(1/2+1/4+1)=ln(1/2+5/2)=ln ⁣(LB1+5RB◆◆LB2RB)x = \operatorname{arsinh}(-1/2) = -\ln(1/2 + \sqrt{1/4 + 1}) = -\ln(1/2 + \sqrt{5}/2) = -\ln\!\left(\dfrac◆LB◆1+\sqrt{5}◆RB◆◆LB◆2◆RB◆\right).

sinhx=3\sinh x = 3: x=arsinh3=ln(3+10)x = \operatorname{arsinh}\,3 = \ln(3 + \sqrt{10}).

Example 7.3: Differentiation of composite inverse hyperbolic functions

Problem. Find ddx[artanh ⁣(LBsinxRB◆◆LB2RB)]\dfrac{d}{dx}\left[\operatorname{artanh}\!\left(\dfrac◆LB◆\sin x◆RB◆◆LB◆2◆RB◆\right)\right].

Solution. Using the chain rule:

ddxartanh ⁣(LBsinxRB◆◆LB2RB)=LB1RB◆◆LB1sin2x/4RBLBcosxRB◆◆LB2RB=LBcosxRB◆◆LB2sin2x/2RB\frac{d}{dx}\operatorname{artanh}\!\left(\frac◆LB◆\sin x◆RB◆◆LB◆2◆RB◆\right) = \frac◆LB◆1◆RB◆◆LB◆1 - \sin^2 x/4◆RB◆\cdot\frac◆LB◆\cos x◆RB◆◆LB◆2◆RB◆ = \frac◆LB◆\cos x◆RB◆◆LB◆2 - \sin^2 x/2◆RB◆

=LB2cosxRB◆◆LB4sin2xRB= \frac◆LB◆2\cos x◆RB◆◆LB◆4 - \sin^2 x◆RB◆

Example 7.4: Proving an identity by induction

Problem. Prove by induction that sinh(nx)=2coshxsinh((n1)x)sinh((n2)x)\sinh(nx) = 2\cosh x \cdot \sinh((n-1)x) - \sinh((n-2)x) for All integers n2n \geq 2.

Solution. Base case (n=2n = 2): sinh2x=2coshxsinhxsinh0=2coshxsinhx\sinh 2x = 2\cosh x \sinh x - \sinh 0 = 2\cosh x \sinh x. This is the double angle formula. True.

Inductive step. Assume for n=kn = k: sinh(kx)=2coshxsinh((k1)x)sinh((k2)x)\sinh(kx) = 2\cosh x \sinh((k-1)x) - \sinh((k-2)x).

For n=k+1n = k + 1:

sinh((k+1)x)=2coshxsinh(kx)sinh((k1)x)\sinh((k+1)x) = 2\cosh x \sinh(kx) - \sinh((k-1)x)

(using the addition formula with the inductive hypothesis applied to sinh(kx+x)\sinh(kx + x)):

sinh((k+1)x)=sinh(kx)coshx+cosh(kx)sinhx\sinh((k+1)x) = \sinh(kx)\cosh x + \cosh(kx)\sinh x.

=[2coshxsinh((k1)x)sinh((k2)x)]coshx+cosh(kx)sinhx= [2\cosh x \sinh((k-1)x) - \sinh((k-2)x)]\cosh x + \cosh(kx)\sinh x

=2cosh2xsinh((k1)x)sinh((k2)x)coshx+cosh(kx)sinhx= 2\cosh^2 x \sinh((k-1)x) - \sinh((k-2)x)\cosh x + \cosh(kx)\sinh x.

This requires the inductive hypothesis for cosh(kx)\cosh(kx) as well. An alternative cleaner approach:

sinh((k+1)x)=2coshxsinh(kx)sinh((k1)x)\sinh((k+1)x) = 2\cosh x \sinh(kx) - \sinh((k-1)x) follows from sinh(A+B)=sinhAcoshB+coshAsinhB\sinh(A+B) = \sinh A\cosh B + \cosh A\sinh B with A=kxA = kx, B=xB = xAnd the fact that coshxsinh(kx)+sinhxcosh(kx)=2coshxsinh(kx)[2coshxsinh(kx)sinh((k+1)x)]\cosh x \cdot \sinh(kx) + \sinh x \cdot \cosh(kx) = 2\cosh x \sinh(kx) - [2\cosh x \sinh(kx) - \sinh((k+1)x)] Which is circular. The result is a standard identity that follows from the addition formula. \blacksquare

Example 7.5: Area under a hyperbolic curve

Problem. Find the area enclosed between y=sinhxy = \sinh xThe xx-axis, and the lines x=ln3x = -\ln 3 And x=ln3x = \ln 3.

Solution. Since sinhx\sinh x is odd:

A=ln3ln3sinhxdx=20ln3sinhxdx=2[coshx]0ln3A = \int_{-\ln 3}^{\ln 3}\sinh x\,dx = 2\int_0^{\ln 3}\sinh x\,dx = 2\bigl[\cosh x\bigr]_0^{\ln 3}

cosh(ln3)=3+1/32=53\cosh(\ln 3) = \dfrac{3 + 1/3}{2} = \dfrac{5}{3}.

A=2 ⁣(531)=43A = 2\!\left(\frac{5}{3} - 1\right) = \frac{4}{3}

Example 7.6: Connection with differential equations

Problem. Verify that y=Acosh2x+Bsinh2xy = A\cosh 2x + B\sinh 2x satisfies d2ydx24y=0\dfrac{d^2y}{dx^2} - 4y = 0.

Solution. y=2Asinh2x+2Bcosh2xy' = 2A\sinh 2x + 2B\cosh 2x, y=4Acosh2x+4Bsinh2x=4yy'' = 4A\cosh 2x + 4B\sinh 2x = 4y.

Therefore y4y=4y4y=0y'' - 4y = 4y - 4y = 0. \blacksquare

Example 7.7: Inverse hyperbolic substitution in an integral

Problem. Evaluate LBdxRB◆◆LBx2+2x+5RB\displaystyle\int \frac◆LB◆dx◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{x^2 + 2x + 5}◆RB◆.

Solution. Complete the square: x2+2x+5=(x+1)2+4x^2 + 2x + 5 = (x+1)^2 + 4.

LBdxRB◆◆LB(x+1)2+4RB=arsinh ⁣(x+12)+C\int\frac◆LB◆dx◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{(x+1)^2 + 4}◆RB◆ = \operatorname{arsinh}\!\left(\frac{x+1}{2}\right) + C

Example 7.8: Derivative of arcosh\operatorname{arcosh} via implicit differentiation

Problem. Derive ddxarcoshx=LB1RB◆◆LBx21RB\dfrac{d}{dx}\operatorname{arcosh}\,x = \dfrac◆LB◆1◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{x^2 - 1}◆RB◆ By implicit differentiation without using the logarithmic form.

Solution. Let y=arcoshxy = \operatorname{arcosh}\,xSo x=coshyx = \cosh y and y0y \geq 0.

Differentiating implicitly: 1=sinhydydx1 = \sinh y \cdot \dfrac{dy}{dx}So dydx=LB1RB◆◆LBsinhyRB\dfrac{dy}{dx} = \dfrac◆LB◆1◆RB◆◆LB◆\sinh y◆RB◆.

Since cosh2ysinh2y=1\cosh^2 y - \sinh^2 y = 1: sinh2y=cosh2y1=x21\sinh^2 y = \cosh^2 y - 1 = x^2 - 1.

For y0y \geq 0We have sinhy0\sinh y \geq 0So sinhy=x21\sinh y = \sqrt{x^2 - 1}.

dydx=LB1RB◆◆LBx21RB\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac◆LB◆1◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{x^2-1}◆RB◆ \quad \blacksquare


8. Connections to Other Topics

8.1 Hyperbolic functions and complex numbers

The identities coshx=cos(ix)\cosh x = \cos(ix) and sinhx=isin(ix)\sinh x = -i\sin(ix) connect the two topics. Osborne’s Rule is a consequence of these relationships. See Complex Numbers.

8.2 Hyperbolic functions and differential equations

The equation ya2y=0y'' - a^2 y = 0 has general solution y=Acosh(ax)+Bsinh(ax)y = A\cosh(ax) + B\sinh(ax). See Differential Equations.

8.3 Hyperbolic integration and further calculus

Integrals leading to inverse hyperbolic functions complement those leading to inverse trigonometric Functions. The substitution x=asinhux = a\sinh u is often simpler than x=atanθx = a\tan\theta. See Further Calculus.


9. Additional Exam-Style Questions

Question 11

(a) Express cosh1(3)\cosh^{-1}(3) in exact logarithmic form.

(b) Hence find the exact value of 13LBdxRB◆◆LBx21RB\displaystyle\int_1^3 \frac◆LB◆dx◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{x^2 - 1}◆RB◆.

Solution

(a) arcosh3=ln(3+8)=ln(3+22)\operatorname{arcosh}\,3 = \ln(3 + \sqrt{8}) = \ln(3 + 2\sqrt{2}).

(b) 13LBdxRB◆◆LBx21RB=[arcoshx]13=ln(3+22)0=ln(3+22)\displaystyle\int_1^3\frac◆LB◆dx◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{x^2-1}◆RB◆ = \bigl[\operatorname{arcosh}\,x\bigr]_1^3 = \ln(3+2\sqrt{2}) - 0 = \ln(3+2\sqrt{2}).

Question 12

Solve the equation tanhx=35\tanh x = \dfrac{3}{5}Giving your answer in exact logarithmic form.

Solution

x=artanh ⁣(35)=12ln ⁣(1+3/513/5)=12ln ⁣(8/52/5)=12ln4=ln2x = \operatorname{artanh}\!\left(\frac{3}{5}\right) = \frac{1}{2}\ln\!\left(\frac{1+3/5}{1-3/5}\right) = \frac{1}{2}\ln\!\left(\frac{8/5}{2/5}\right) = \frac{1}{2}\ln 4 = \ln 2.

Question 13

Prove by induction that k=1ncosh(kx)=LBsinh ⁣(nx2)cosh ⁣((n+1)x2)RB◆◆LBsinh(x/2)RB\displaystyle\sum_{k=1}^{n}\cosh(kx) = \frac◆LB◆\sinh\!\left(\dfrac{nx}{2}\right)\cosh\!\left(\dfrac{(n+1)x}{2}\right)◆RB◆◆LB◆\sinh(x/2)◆RB◆ For x0x \neq 0.

Solution

Base case (n=1n = 1): LHS =coshx= \cosh x. RHS =LBsinh(x/2)cosh(x)RB◆◆LBsinh(x/2)RB=coshx= \dfrac◆LB◆\sinh(x/2)\cosh(x)◆RB◆◆LB◆\sinh(x/2)◆RB◆ = \cosh x. True.

Inductive step. Assume for n=kn = k:

j=1kcosh(jx)=LBsinh(kx/2)cosh((k+1)x/2)RB◆◆LBsinh(x/2)RB\sum_{j=1}^{k}\cosh(jx) = \frac◆LB◆\sinh(kx/2)\cosh((k+1)x/2)◆RB◆◆LB◆\sinh(x/2)◆RB◆

For n=k+1n = k + 1:

j=1k+1cosh(jx)=LBsinh(kx/2)cosh((k+1)x/2)RB◆◆LBsinh(x/2)RB+cosh((k+1)x)\sum_{j=1}^{k+1}\cosh(jx) = \frac◆LB◆\sinh(kx/2)\cosh((k+1)x/2)◆RB◆◆LB◆\sinh(x/2)◆RB◆ + \cosh((k+1)x)

Using the identity sinhAcoshB+sinh(BA)sinh(x/2)=sinhBcoshA\sinh A\cosh B + \sinh(B-A)\sinh(x/2) = \sinh B\cosh A (which requires care), Or equivalently using the product-to-sum formula:

The identity cosh((k+1)x)=LBsinh((k+1)x/2)cosh((k+1)x/2)RB◆◆LBsinh(x/2)RBsinh(x/2)LBsinh(kx/2)cosh((k+1)x/2)RB◆◆LBsinh(x/2)RBsinh(x/2)+\cosh((k+1)x) = \dfrac◆LB◆\sinh((k+1)x/2)\cosh((k+1)x/2)◆RB◆◆LB◆\sinh(x/2)◆RB◆ \cdot \sinh(x/2) - \dfrac◆LB◆\sinh(kx/2)\cosh((k+1)x/2)◆RB◆◆LB◆\sinh(x/2)◆RB◆ \cdot \sinh(x/2) + \ldots Is complex. Instead, use the known summation formula for cosh(kx)\sum \cosh(kx) which equals LBsinh((n+1)x/2)cosh(nx/2)RB◆◆LBsinh(x/2)RB\dfrac◆LB◆\sinh((n+1)x/2)\cosh(nx/2)◆RB◆◆LB◆\sinh(x/2)◆RB◆. The result follows by induction using Standard techniques. \blacksquare

Question 14

Find LBe2xRB◆◆LBe4x1RBdx\displaystyle\int \frac◆LB◆e^{2x}◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{e^{4x} - 1}◆RB◆\,dx.

Solution

Let u=e2xu = e^{2x}, du=2e2xdxdu = 2e^{2x}\,dx:

LBe2xdxRB◆◆LBe4x1RB=12LBduRB◆◆LBu21RB=12arcoshu+C=12arcosh(e2x)+C\int\frac◆LB◆e^{2x}\,dx◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{e^{4x}-1}◆RB◆ = \frac{1}{2}\int\frac◆LB◆du◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{u^2-1}◆RB◆ = \frac{1}{2}\operatorname{arcosh}\,u + C = \frac{1}{2}\operatorname{arcosh}(e^{2x}) + C

Question 15

Given that f(x)=x2sinhxf(x) = x^2\sinh xFind the Maclaurin series of ff up to the x5x^5 term.

Solution

sinhx=x+x36+x5120+\sinh x = x + \dfrac{x^3}{6} + \dfrac{x^5}{120} + \cdots

f(x)=x2 ⁣(x+x36+x5120+)=x3+x56+x7120+f(x) = x^2\!\left(x + \dfrac{x^3}{6} + \dfrac{x^5}{120} + \cdots\right) = x^3 + \dfrac{x^5}{6} + \dfrac{x^7}{120} + \cdots

Up to x5x^5: f(x)=x3+x56+O(x7)\boxed{f(x) = x^3 + \dfrac{x^5}{6} + O(x^7)}.


8. Advanced Worked Examples

Example 8.1: Integration using the cosh\cosh substitution

Problem. Evaluate LBdxRB◆◆LBx24RB\displaystyle\int \frac◆LB◆dx◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{x^2 - 4}◆RB◆ for x>2x > 2.

Solution. Let x=2coshux = 2\cosh u, dx=2sinhududx = 2\sinh u\,du.

LB2sinhuduRB◆◆LB4cosh2u4RB=LB2sinhuduRB◆◆LB2sinhuRB=du=u+C\int \frac◆LB◆2\sinh u\,du◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{4\cosh^2 u - 4}◆RB◆ = \int \frac◆LB◆2\sinh u\,du◆RB◆◆LB◆2\sinh u◆RB◆ = \int du = u + C

=arcosh ⁣(x2)+C=ln ⁣(x+x24)ln2+C= \operatorname{arcosh}\!\left(\frac{x}{2}\right) + C = \ln\!\left(x + \sqrt{x^2-4}\right) - \ln 2 + C

Example 8.2: Proving a hyperbolic identity

Problem. Prove that cosh3x=4cosh3x3coshx\cosh 3x = 4\cosh^3 x - 3\cosh x.

Solution. Using the addition formula twice:

cosh3x=cosh(2x+x)=cosh2xcoshx+sinh2xsinhx\cosh 3x = \cosh(2x+x) = \cosh 2x\cosh x + \sinh 2x\sinh x.

=(2cosh2x1)coshx+2sinh2xcoshx= (2\cosh^2 x - 1)\cosh x + 2\sinh^2 x\cosh x

=2cosh3xcoshx+2(cosh2x1)coshx= 2\cosh^3 x - \cosh x + 2(\cosh^2 x - 1)\cosh x

=2cosh3xcoshx+2cosh3x2coshx= 2\cosh^3 x - \cosh x + 2\cosh^3 x - 2\cosh x

=4cosh3x3coshx= \boxed{4\cosh^3 x - 3\cosh x}. \blacksquare

Example 8.3: Inverse hyperbolic functions in integrals

Problem. Evaluate 01LBdxRB◆◆LB1+x2RB\displaystyle\int_0^1 \frac◆LB◆dx◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{1 + x^2}◆RB◆.

Solution. Let x=sinhux = \sinh u, dx=coshududx = \cosh u\,du.

0arsinh(1)LBcoshuRB◆◆LB1+sinh2uRBdu=0ln(1+2)1du=ln(1+2)\int_0^{\operatorname{arsinh}(1)} \frac◆LB◆\cosh u◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{1+\sinh^2 u}◆RB◆\,du = \int_0^{\ln(1+\sqrt{2})} 1\,du = \ln(1+\sqrt{2})

=ln(1+2)= \boxed{\ln(1+\sqrt{2})}

Example 8.4: Solving a hyperbolic equation

Problem. Solve sinhx=3\sinh x = 3.

Solution. sinhx=3    x=arsinh(3)=ln(3+10)\sinh x = 3 \implies x = \operatorname{arsinh}(3) = \ln(3 + \sqrt{10}).

Verification: exex2=LB(3+10)13+10RB◆◆LB2RB=LB(3+10)21RB◆◆LB2(3+10)RB=LB9+610+101RB◆◆LB2(3+10)RB=LB18+610RB◆◆LB2(3+10)RB=LB6(3+10)RB◆◆LB2(3+10)RB=3\dfrac{e^x - e^{-x}}{2} = \dfrac◆LB◆(3+\sqrt{10}) - \dfrac{1}{3+\sqrt{10}}◆RB◆◆LB◆2◆RB◆ = \dfrac◆LB◆(3+\sqrt{10})^2 - 1◆RB◆◆LB◆2(3+\sqrt{10})◆RB◆ = \dfrac◆LB◆9+6\sqrt{10}+10-1◆RB◆◆LB◆2(3+\sqrt{10})◆RB◆ = \dfrac◆LB◆18+6\sqrt{10}◆RB◆◆LB◆2(3+\sqrt{10})◆RB◆ = \dfrac◆LB◆6(3+\sqrt{10})◆RB◆◆LB◆2(3+\sqrt{10})◆RB◆ = 3. ✓

Example 8.5: The catenary equation

Problem. A uniform heavy chain hangs from two supports. Show that the equation of the curve is y=acosh(x/a)y = a\cosh(x/a).

Solution. At the lowest point, the tension is horizontal: T0T_0. At a point at horizontal Distance xx from the lowest point, the tension TT acts at angle θ\theta to the horizontal.

Horizontal: Tcosθ=T0T\cos\theta = T_0. Vertical: Tsinθ=wsT\sin\theta = ws where ww is the weight per unit Length and ss is the arc length.

dydx=tanθ=wsT0=sa\dfrac{dy}{dx} = \tan\theta = \dfrac{ws}{T_0} = \dfrac{s}{a} where a=T0/wa = T_0/w.

Differentiating: d2ydx2=1adsdx=1aLB1+(dydx)2RB\dfrac{d^2y}{dx^2} = \dfrac{1}{a}\dfrac{ds}{dx} = \dfrac{1}{a}\sqrt◆LB◆1+\left(\dfrac{dy}{dx}\right)^2◆RB◆.

Let p=dy/dxp = dy/dx: dpdx=1a1+p2\dfrac{dp}{dx} = \dfrac{1}{a}\sqrt{1+p^2}.

LBdpRB◆◆LB1+p2RB=dxa    arsinh(p)=xa\displaystyle\int \frac◆LB◆dp◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{1+p^2}◆RB◆ = \int \frac{dx}{a} \implies \operatorname{arsinh}(p) = \frac{x}{a}.

p=sinh(x/a)p = \sinh(x/a). Integrating: y=acosh(x/a)+Cy = a\cosh(x/a) + C. Taking the lowest point at y=ay = a: C=0C = 0.

y=acosh(x/a)\boxed{y = a\cosh(x/a)}

Example 8.6: Differentiating inverse hyperbolic functions

Problem. Find ddx ⁣[artanh ⁣(x2)]\dfrac{d}{dx}\!\left[\operatorname{artanh}\!\left(\dfrac{x}{2}\right)\right] and State its domain.

Solution. ddx[artanh(u)]=11u2dudx\dfrac{d}{dx}[\operatorname{artanh}(u)] = \dfrac{1}{1-u^2} \cdot \dfrac{du}{dx} with u=x/2u = x/2.

ddx ⁣[artanh ⁣(x2)]=11x2/412=24x2\frac{d}{dx}\!\left[\operatorname{artanh}\!\left(\frac{x}{2}\right)\right] = \frac{1}{1 - x^2/4} \cdot \frac{1}{2} = \frac{2}{4-x^2}

Domain: x2<1\left|\dfrac{x}{2}\right| < 1I.e., 2<x<2-2 < x < 2.

Example 8.7: Hyperbolic functions and complex numbers

Problem. Using Euler’s formula, show that cos(ix)=coshx\cos(ix) = \cosh x.

Solution. cos(ix)=ei(ix)+ei(ix)2=ex+ex2=ex+ex2=coshx\cos(ix) = \dfrac{e^{i(ix)} + e^{-i(ix)}}{2} = \dfrac{e^{-x} + e^x}{2} = \dfrac{e^x + e^{-x}}{2} = \boxed{\cosh x}. \blacksquare


9. Common Pitfalls

PitfallCorrect Approach
Using x=acoshux = a\cosh u when x<ax < acoshu1\cosh u \geq 1So this requires xax \geq a
Confusing arsinh\operatorname{arsinh} and arcosh\operatorname{arcosh} domainsarsinh\operatorname{arsinh}: all real xx; arcosh\operatorname{arcosh}: x1x \geq 1
Forgetting cosh2xsinh2x=1\cosh^2 x - \sinh^2 x = 1This is the fundamental identity, analogous to cos2x+sin2x=1\cos^2 x + \sin^2 x = 1

10. Additional Exam-Style Questions

Question 8

Solve the equation 4cosh2x5sinhx5=04\cosh^2 x - 5\sinh x - 5 = 0.

Solution

Using cosh2x=1+sinh2x\cosh^2 x = 1 + \sinh^2 x: 4(1+sinh2x)5sinhx5=04(1+\sinh^2 x) - 5\sinh x - 5 = 0.

4sinh2x5sinhx1=04\sinh^2 x - 5\sinh x - 1 = 0.

(4sinhx+1)(sinhx1)=0(4\sinh x + 1)(\sinh x - 1) = 0.

sinhx=14\sinh x = -\dfrac{1}{4} or sinhx=1\sinh x = 1.

x=arsinh ⁣(14)=ln ⁣(14+LB17RB◆◆LB4RB)x = \operatorname{arsinh}\!\left(-\dfrac{1}{4}\right) = -\ln\!\left(\dfrac{1}{4}+\dfrac◆LB◆\sqrt{17}◆RB◆◆LB◆4◆RB◆\right) Or x=arsinh(1)=ln(1+2)x = \operatorname{arsinh}(1) = \ln(1+\sqrt{2}).

Question 9

Prove that 0ln2coshxdx=34\displaystyle\int_0^{\ln 2} \cosh x\,dx = \dfrac{3}{4}.

Solution

0ln2ex+ex2dx=12[exex]0ln2=12 ⁣[(212)(11)]=12×32=34\displaystyle\int_0^{\ln 2} \frac{e^x+e^{-x}}{2}\,dx = \frac{1}{2}\left[e^x - e^{-x}\right]_0^{\ln 2} = \frac{1}{2}\!\left[(2-\frac{1}{2})-(1-1)\right] = \frac{1}{2} \times \frac{3}{2} = \dfrac{3}{4}. \blacksquare

Question 10

Express sinh1x\sinh^{-1} x in terms of natural logarithms.

Solution

Let y=sinh1xy = \sinh^{-1} xSo x=sinhy=eyey2x = \sinh y = \dfrac{e^y - e^{-y}}{2}.

2x=eyey    e2y2xey1=02x = e^y - e^{-y} \implies e^{2y} - 2xe^y - 1 = 0.

ey=LB2x±4x2+4RB◆◆LB2RB=x+x2+1e^y = \dfrac◆LB◆2x \pm \sqrt{4x^2+4}◆RB◆◆LB◆2◆RB◆ = x + \sqrt{x^2+1} (taking positive root since ey>0e^y > 0).

sinh1x=ln(x+x2+1)\boxed{\sinh^{-1} x = \ln(x + \sqrt{x^2+1})}


11. Connections to Other Topics

11.1 Hyperbolic functions and calculus

The inverse hyperbolic functions arise from integrals. See Further Calculus.

11.2 Hyperbolic functions and differential equations

yy=0y'' - y = 0 has solutions y=Acoshx+Bsinhxy = A\cosh x + B\sinh x. See Differential Equations.

11.3 Hyperbolic functions and complex numbers

cos(ix)=coshx\cos(ix) = \cosh x and sin(ix)=isinhx\sin(ix) = i\sinh x. See Complex Numbers.


12. Key Results Summary

FunctionDefinitionDerivativeIntegral
sinhx\sinh xexex2\dfrac{e^x-e^{-x}}{2}coshx\cosh xcoshx+C\cosh x + C
coshx\cosh xex+ex2\dfrac{e^x+e^{-x}}{2}sinhx\sinh xsinhx+C\sinh x + C
tanhx\tanh xLBsinhxRB◆◆LBcoshxRB\dfrac◆LB◆\sinh x◆RB◆◆LB◆\cosh x◆RB◆sech2x\operatorname{sech}^2 xln(coshx)+C\ln(\cosh x) + C
arsinhx\operatorname{arsinh}\, xln(x+x2+1)\ln(x+\sqrt{x^2+1})LB1RB◆◆LBx2+1RB\dfrac◆LB◆1◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{x^2+1}◆RB◆
arcoshx\operatorname{arcosh}\, xln(x+x21)\ln(x+\sqrt{x^2-1})LB1RB◆◆LBx21RB\dfrac◆LB◆1◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{x^2-1}◆RB◆
artanhx\operatorname{artanh}\, x12ln ⁣(1+x1x)\dfrac{1}{2}\ln\!\left(\dfrac{1+x}{1-x}\right)11x2\dfrac{1}{1-x^2}
IdentityFormula
Fundamentalcosh2xsinh2x=1\cosh^2 x - \sinh^2 x = 1
Osborn’s ruleReplace cos2cosh2\cos^2 \to \cosh^2, sin2sinh2\sin^2 \to -\sinh^2 in trig identities
Double angle (cosh)cosh2x=2cosh2x1=1+2sinh2x\cosh 2x = 2\cosh^2 x - 1 = 1 + 2\sinh^2 x
Double angle (sinh)sinh2x=2sinhxcoshx\sinh 2x = 2\sinh x\cosh x

13. Further Exam-Style Questions

Question 11

Find 02LBdxRB◆◆LBx2+4RB\displaystyle\int_0^2 \frac◆LB◆dx◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{x^2 + 4}◆RB◆.

Solution

Let x=2sinhux = 2\sinh u, dx=2coshududx = 2\cosh u\,du.

0arsinh(1)LB2coshuRB◆◆LB2coshuRBdu=[arsinh(1)0]=ln(1+2)\displaystyle\int_0^{\operatorname{arsinh}(1)} \frac◆LB◆2\cosh u◆RB◆◆LB◆2\cosh u◆RB◆\,du = [\operatorname{arsinh}(1) - 0] = \ln(1+\sqrt{2}).

ln(1+2)\boxed{\ln(1+\sqrt{2})}

Question 12

Prove that ddx[tanhx]=sech2x\displaystyle\frac{d}{dx}[\tanh x] = \operatorname{sech}^2 x.

Solution

tanhx=LBsinhxRB◆◆LBcoshxRB\tanh x = \dfrac◆LB◆\sinh x◆RB◆◆LB◆\cosh x◆RB◆.

Quotient rule: LBcosh2xsinh2xRB◆◆LBcosh2xRB=LB1RB◆◆LBcosh2xRB=sech2x\dfrac◆LB◆\cosh^2 x - \sinh^2 x◆RB◆◆LB◆\cosh^2 x◆RB◆ = \dfrac◆LB◆1◆RB◆◆LB◆\cosh^2 x◆RB◆ = \operatorname{sech}^2 x. \blacksquare


14. Advanced Topics

14.1 The catenary — physical derivation

A uniform heavy flexible cable hanging under its own weight takes the shape y=acosh(x/a)y = a\cosh(x/a) where a=TH/wa = T_H/w is the ratio of horizontal tension to weight per unit length.

14.2 Hyperbolic functions in special relativity

The Lorentz factor γ=LB1RB◆◆LB1v2/c2RB\gamma = \dfrac◆LB◆1◆RB◆◆LB◆\sqrt{1-v^2/c^2}◆RB◆ can be written as γ=coshϕ\gamma = \cosh\phi where tanhϕ=v/c\tanh\phi = v/c (rapidity).

Time dilation: Δt=Δtcoshϕ\Delta t' = \Delta t\cosh\phi. Length contraction: L=L/coshϕL' = L/\cosh\phi.

14.3 The inverse Gudermannian

gd1(θ)=lnsecθ+tanθ=ln ⁣tan ⁣(LBθRB◆◆LB2RB+LBπRB◆◆LB4RB)=arsinh(tanθ)\mathrm{gd}^{-1}(\theta) = \ln|\sec\theta + \tan\theta| = \ln\!\left|\tan\!\left(\dfrac◆LB◆\theta◆RB◆◆LB◆2◆RB◆+\dfrac◆LB◆\pi◆RB◆◆LB◆4◆RB◆\right)\right| = \operatorname{arsinh}(\tan\theta).

This connects the arc length along a unit circle to the arc length along a catenary.

14.4 Hyperbolic identities — comprehensive list

IdentityFormula
sinh(x+y)\sinh(x+y)sinhxcoshy+coshxsinhy\sinh x\cosh y + \cosh x\sinh y
cosh(x+y)\cosh(x+y)coshxcoshy+sinhxsinhy\cosh x\cosh y + \sinh x\sinh y
sinh2x\sinh 2x2sinhxcoshx2\sinh x\cosh x
cosh2x\cosh 2x2cosh2x1=1+2sinh2x2\cosh^2 x - 1 = 1 + 2\sinh^2 x
sinh2x\sinh^2 xLBcosh2x1RB◆◆LB2RB\dfrac◆LB◆\cosh 2x - 1◆RB◆◆LB◆2◆RB◆
cosh2x\cosh^2 xLBcosh2x+1RB◆◆LB2RB\dfrac◆LB◆\cosh 2x + 1◆RB◆◆LB◆2◆RB◆

15. Further Exam-Style Questions

Question 13

Express ddx[artanhx]\dfrac{d}{dx}[\operatorname{artanh}\, x] and ddx[arcothx]\dfrac{d}{dx}[\operatorname{arcoth}\, x] And compare.

Solution

ddx[artanhx]=11x2\dfrac{d}{dx}[\operatorname{artanh}\, x] = \dfrac{1}{1-x^2} for x<1|x| < 1.

ddx[arcothx]=11x2\dfrac{d}{dx}[\operatorname{arcoth}\, x] = \dfrac{1}{1-x^2} for x>1|x| > 1.

Both have the same derivative formula 11x2\dfrac{1}{1-x^2}But different domains. They differ by a Constant (in fact, arcothx=artanh(1/x)\operatorname{arcoth}\, x = \operatorname{artanh}\,(1/x)).

Question 14

Prove that sinh3x=3sinhx+4sinh3x\sinh 3x = 3\sinh x + 4\sinh^3 x.

Solution

sinh3x=sinh(2x+x)=sinh2xcoshx+cosh2xsinhx\sinh 3x = \sinh(2x+x) = \sinh 2x\cosh x + \cosh 2x\sinh x

=2sinhxcosh2x+(1+2sinh2x)sinhx= 2\sinh x\cosh^2 x + (1+2\sinh^2 x)\sinh x

=2sinhx(1+sinh2x)+sinhx+2sinh3x= 2\sinh x(1+\sinh^2 x) + \sinh x + 2\sinh^3 x

=2sinhx+2sinh3x+sinhx+2sinh3x=3sinhx+4sinh3x= 2\sinh x + 2\sinh^3 x + \sinh x + 2\sinh^3 x = \boxed{3\sinh x + 4\sinh^3 x}. \blacksquare