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Hyperbolic Functions

flowchart TD
    A[06 Hyperbolic Functionsx] --> B[Key Concepts]
    A --> C[Core Principles]
    A --> D[Practical Applications]
    B --> E[Fundamental definitions]
    C --> F[Design patterns]
    D --> G[Real-world usage]

Intuition

This topic explores fundamental concepts that shape our understanding of the world.

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.

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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

1. Definitions

1.1 The three principal hyperbolic functions

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

cosh⁡x=ex+e−x2\boxed{\cosh x = \frac{e^x + e^{-x}}{2}} sinh⁡x=ex−e−x2\boxed{\sinh x = \frac{e^x - e^{-x}}{2}} tanh⁡x=sinh⁡xcosh⁡x=ex−e−xex+e−x\boxed{\tanh x = \frac{\sinh x}{\cosh x} = \frac{e^x - e^{-x}}{e^x + e^{-x}}}

1.2 The reciprocal hyperbolic functions

Definition.

sech x=1cosh⁡x,cosech x=1sinh⁡x,coth⁡ x=cosh⁡xsinh⁡x\mathrm{sech}\,x = \frac{1}{\cosh x}, \qquad \mathrm{cosech}\,x = \frac{1}{\sinh x}, \qquad \coth\,x = \frac{\cosh x}{\sinh x}

1.3 Domain and range

FunctionDomainRange
sinh⁡x\sinh xR\mathbb{R}R\mathbb{R}
cosh⁡x\cosh xR\mathbb{R}[1,∞)[1, \infty)
tanh⁡x\tanh xR\mathbb{R}(−1,1)(-1, 1)
sech x\mathrm{sech}\,xR\mathbb{R}(0,1](0, 1]

1.4 Key values

sinh⁡0=0,cosh⁡0=1,tanh⁡0=0\sinh 0 = 0, \quad \cosh 0 = 1, \quad \tanh 0 = 0 sinh⁡(−x)=−sinh⁡x(oddfunction)\sinh(-x) = -\sinh x \quad (\mathrm{odd function}) cosh⁡(−x)=cosh⁡x(evenfunction)\cosh(-x) = \cosh x \quad (\mathrm{even function})

2. Hyperbolic Identities

2.1 The fundamental identity

Theorem. For all x∈Rx \in \mathbb{R}:

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

Proof of cosh⁡2x−sinh⁡2x=1\cosh^2 x - \sinh^2 x = 1

cosh⁡2x−sinh⁡2x=(ex+e−x2)2−(ex−e−x2)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+e−2x4−e2x−2+e−2x4=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 cosh⁡2x\cosh^2 x:

1−tanh⁡2x=sech2 x\boxed{1 - \tanh^2 x = \mathrm{sech}^2\,x}

Dividing by sinh⁡2x\sinh^2 x:

coth⁡2x−1=cosech2 x\boxed{\coth^2 x - 1 = \mathrm{cosech}^2\,x}

2.2 Addition formulae

Theorem.

sinh⁡(x+y)=sinh⁡xcosh⁡y+cosh⁡xsinh⁡y\boxed{\sinh(x+y) = \sinh x\cosh y + \cosh x\sinh y} cosh⁡(x+y)=cosh⁡xcosh⁡y+sinh⁡xsinh⁡y\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+y−e−(x+y)2=exey−e−xe−y2\sinh(x+y) = \frac{e^{x+y}-e^{-(x+y)}}{2} = \frac{e^x e^y - e^{-x}e^{-y}}{2} =(ex+e−x)(ey−e−y)+(ex−e−x)(ey+e−y)4= \frac{(e^x+e^{-x})(e^y-e^{-y}) + (e^x-e^{-x})(e^y+e^{-y})}{4} =exey−exe−y+e−xey−e−xe−y+exey+exe−y−e−xey−e−xe−y4= \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:

sinh⁡xcosh⁡y+cosh⁡xsinh⁡y=ex−e−x2⋅ey+e−y2+ex+e−x2⋅ey−e−y2\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+ex−y−e−x+y−e−x−y+ex+y−ex−y+e−x+y−e−x−y4= \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+y−2e−(x+y)4=ex+y−e−(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

sinh⁡2x=2sinh⁡xcosh⁡x\sinh 2x = 2\sinh x\cosh x cosh⁡2x=cosh⁡2x+sinh⁡2x=2cosh⁡2x−1=1+2sinh⁡2x\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)=cosh⁡x\cos(ix) = \cosh x and sin⁡(ix)=isinh⁡x\sin(ix) = i\sinh x So each sin⁡\sin introduces a Factor of ii And sin⁡2\sin^2 introduces i2=−1i^2 = -1.

Example. cos⁡2x+sin⁡2x=1→Osborncosh⁡2x−sinh⁡2x=1\cos^2 x + \sin^2 x = 1 \xrightarrow{\mathrm{Osborn}} \cosh^2 x - \sinh^2 x = 1. (The sinh⁡2\sinh^2 term flips sign.)

Example. cos⁡2x=cos⁡2x−sin⁡2x→Osborncosh⁡2x=cosh⁡2x+sinh⁡2x\cos 2x = \cos^2 x - \sin^2 x \xrightarrow{\mathrm{Osborn}} \cosh 2x = \cosh^2 x + \sinh^2 x. (The sinh⁡2\sinh^2 term flips sign, turning −- into ++.)


3. Inverse Hyperbolic Functions

3.1 Definitions and logarithmic forms

Definition. The inverse hyperbolic functions are:

arsinh x=ln⁡ ⁣(x+x2+1),x∈R\boxed{\mathrm{arsinh}\,x = \ln\!\left(x + \sqrt{x^2+1}\right), \quad x \in \mathbb{R}} arcosh x=ln⁡ ⁣(x+x2−1),x≥1\boxed{\mathrm{arcosh}\,x = \ln\!\left(x + \sqrt{x^2-1}\right), \quad x \geq 1} artanh x=12ln⁡ ⁣(1+x1−x),∣x∣<1\boxed{\mathrm{artanh}\,x = \frac{1}{2}\ln\!\left(\frac{1+x}{1-x}\right), \quad |x| < 1}

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

Let y=arsinh xy = \mathrm{arsinh}\,x. Then x=sinh⁡y=ey−e−y2x = \sinh y = \dfrac{e^y - e^{-y}}{2}.

2x=ey−e−y2x = e^y - e^{-y}

Multiply by eye^y: 2xey=e2y−12xe^y = e^{2y} - 1.

e2y−2xey−1=0e^{2y} - 2xe^y - 1 = 0

This is a quadratic in eye^y:

ey=2x±4x2+42=x±x2+1e^y = \frac{2x \pm \sqrt{4x^2+4}}{2} = x \pm \sqrt{x^2+1}

Since ey>0e^y > 0 for all yy We need x+x2+1>0x + \sqrt{x^2+1} > 0 Which is always true. And x−x2+1<0x - \sqrt{x^2+1} < 0 for all xx So 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 arsinh x=ln⁡(x+x2+1)\mathrm{arsinh}\,x = \ln(x + \sqrt{x^2+1}). ■\blacksquare

Proof of arcosh x=ln⁡(x+x2−1)\mathrm{arcosh}\,x = \ln(x + \sqrt{x^2-1})

Let y=arcosh xy = \mathrm{arcosh}\,x. Then x=cosh⁡y=ey+e−y2x = \cosh y = \dfrac{e^y + e^{-y}}{2} for y≥0y \geq 0.

2x=ey+e−y2x = e^y + e^{-y} e2y−2xey+1=0e^{2y} - 2xe^y + 1 = 0 ey=2x±4x2−42=x±x2−1e^y = \frac{2x \pm \sqrt{4x^2-4}}{2} = x \pm \sqrt{x^2-1}

Since ey≥1e^y \geq 1 and y≥0y \geq 0: we need ey≥1e^y \geq 1. Both roots are positive (for x≥1x \geq 1), But x+x2−1≥1x + \sqrt{x^2-1} \geq 1 and x−x2−1≤1x - \sqrt{x^2-1} \leq 1. Since cosh⁡\cosh is not one-to-one on all of R\mathbb{R} We restrict to y≥0y \geq 0 Giving ey≥1e^y \geq 1:

ey=x+x2−1  ⟹  y=ln⁡(x+x2−1)e^y = x + \sqrt{x^2-1} \implies y = \ln(x + \sqrt{x^2-1})

Therefore arcosh x=ln⁡(x+x2−1)\mathrm{arcosh}\,x = \ln(x + \sqrt{x^2-1}) for x≥1x \geq 1. ■\blacksquare

Proof of artanh x=12ln⁡ ⁣(1+x1−x)\mathrm{artanh}\,x = \frac{1}{2}\ln\!\left(\frac{1+x}{1-x}\right)

Let y=artanh xy = \mathrm{artanh}\,x. Then x=tanh⁡y=sinh⁡ycosh⁡yx = \tanh y = \dfrac{\sinh y}{\cosh y}.

Using cosh⁡2y−sinh⁡2y=1\cosh^2 y - \sinh^2 y = 1:

x=sinh⁡ycosh⁡y  ⟹  sinh⁡ycosh⁡y=x  ⟹  sinh⁡y=xcosh⁡yx = \frac{\sinh y}{\cosh y} \implies \frac{\sinh y}{\cosh y} = x \implies \sinh y = x\cosh y cosh⁡2y−x2cosh⁡2y=1  ⟹  cosh⁡2y=11−x2\cosh^2 y - x^2\cosh^2 y = 1 \implies \cosh^2 y = \frac{1}{1-x^2}

Also tanh⁡y=e2y−1e2y+1\tanh y = \dfrac{e^{2y}-1}{e^{2y}+1} So:

x=e2y−1e2y+1  ⟹  x(e2y+1)=e2y−1  ⟹  xe2y+x=e2y−1x = \frac{e^{2y}-1}{e^{2y}+1} \implies x(e^{2y}+1) = e^{2y}-1 \implies xe^{2y}+x = e^{2y}-1 e2y(1−x)=1+x  ⟹  e2y=1+x1−xe^{2y}(1-x) = 1+x \implies e^{2y} = \frac{1+x}{1-x} 2y=ln⁡ ⁣(1+x1−x)  ⟹  y=12ln⁡ ⁣(1+x1−x)■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

ddxsinh⁡x=cosh⁡x\boxed{\frac{d}{dx}\sinh x = \cosh x} ddxcosh⁡x=sinh⁡x\boxed{\frac{d}{dx}\cosh x = \sinh x} ddxtanh⁡x=sech2 x\boxed{\frac{d}{dx}\tanh x = \mathrm{sech}^2\,x}

Proof of ddxsinh⁡x=cosh⁡x\frac{d}{dx}\sinh x = \cosh x

ddxsinh⁡x=ddx(ex−e−x2)=ex+e−x2=cosh⁡x■\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 ddxcosh⁡x=sinh⁡x\frac{d}{dx}\cosh x = \sinh x

ddxcosh⁡x=ddx(ex+e−x2)=ex−e−x2=sinh⁡x■\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

ddxarsinh x=1x2+1\boxed{\frac{d}{dx}\mathrm{arsinh}\,x = \frac{1}{\sqrt{x^2+1}}} ddxarcosh x=1x2−1,x>1\boxed{\frac{d}{dx}\mathrm{arcosh}\,x = \frac{1}{\sqrt{x^2-1}}, \quad x > 1} ddxartanh x=11−x2,∣x∣<1\boxed{\frac{d}{dx}\mathrm{artanh}\,x = \frac{1}{1-x^2}, \quad |x| < 1}

Proof of ddxarsinh x=1x2+1\frac{d}{dx}\mathrm{arsinh}\,x = \frac{1}{\sqrt{x^2+1}}

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

ddxln⁡(x+x2+1)=1x+x2+1⋅(1+xx2+1)\frac{d}{dx}\ln(x+\sqrt{x^2+1}) = \frac{1}{x+\sqrt{x^2+1}}\cdot\left(1 + \frac{x}{\sqrt{x^2+1}}\right) =1x+x2+1⋅x2+1+xx2+1=1x2+1■= \frac{1}{x+\sqrt{x^2+1}}\cdot\frac{\sqrt{x^2+1}+x}{\sqrt{x^2+1}} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{x^2+1}} \quad \blacksquare

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

artanh x=12ln⁡ ⁣(1+x1−x)\mathrm{artanh}\,x = \dfrac{1}{2}\ln\!\left(\dfrac{1+x}{1-x}\right).

ddx⋅12ln⁡ ⁣(1+x1−x)=12⋅1−x1+x⋅(1)(1−x)−(1+x)(−1)(1−x)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} =12⋅1−x1+x⋅2(1−x)2=11−x2■= \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:

∫1x2+a2 dx=arsinh ⁣(xa)+C=ln⁡ ⁣(xa+x2a2+1)+C\boxed{\int \frac{1}{\sqrt{x^2+a^2}}\,dx = \mathrm{arsinh}\!\left(\frac{x}{a}\right) + C = \ln\!\left(\frac{x}{a}+\sqrt{\frac{x^2}{a^2}+1}\right)+C} ∫1x2−a2 dx=arcosh ⁣(xa)+C=ln⁡ ⁣(xa+x2a2−1)+C,x>a\boxed{\int \frac{1}{\sqrt{x^2-a^2}}\,dx = \mathrm{arcosh}\!\left(\frac{x}{a}\right) + C = \ln\!\left(\frac{x}{a}+\sqrt{\frac{x^2}{a^2}-1}\right)+C, \quad x > a} ∫1a2−x2 dx=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. ∫1x2+9 dx=arsinh ⁣(x3)+C=ln⁡ ⁣(x3+x29+1)+C=ln⁡ ⁣(x+x2+93)+C\displaystyle\int \frac{1}{\sqrt{x^2+9}}\,dx = \mathrm{arsinh}\!\left(\frac{x}{3}\right) + C = \ln\!\left(\frac{x}{3}+\sqrt{\frac{x^2}{9}+1}\right)+C = \ln\!\left(\frac{x+\sqrt{x^2+9}}{3}\right)+C.

Example. ∫1x2−4 dx=arcosh ⁣(x2)+C\displaystyle\int \frac{1}{\sqrt{x^2-4}}\,dx = \mathrm{arcosh}\!\left(\frac{x}{2}\right) + C for x>2x > 2.

Example. ∫14−x2 dx=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

∫cosh⁡x dx=sinh⁡x+C\int \cosh x\,dx = \sinh x + C ∫sinh⁡x dx=cosh⁡x+C\int \sinh x\,dx = \cosh x + C ∫sech2 x dx=tanh⁡x+C\int \mathrm{sech}^2\,x\,dx = \tanh x + C ∫tanh⁡x dx=ln⁡(cosh⁡x)+C\int \tanh x\,dx = \ln(\cosh x) + C

5. Connection to Circular Functions

5.1 The imaginary unit bridge

Theorem. For all x∈Rx \in \mathbb{R}:

sin⁡(ix)=isinh⁡x\boxed{\sin(ix) = i\sinh x} cos⁡(ix)=cosh⁡x\boxed{\cos(ix) = \cosh x}

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

cos⁡(ix)=ei(ix)+e−i(ix)2=e−x+ex2=ex+e−x2=cosh⁡x■\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)=isinh⁡x\sin(ix) = i\sinh x

sin⁡(ix)=ei(ix)−e−i(ix)2i=e−x−ex2i=−(ex−e−x)2i=i⋅ex−e−x2=isinh⁡x■\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)=cosh⁡x\cos(ix) = \cosh x and sin⁡(ix)=isinh⁡x\sin(ix) = i\sinh x:

cos⁡2(ix)+sin⁡2(ix)=cosh⁡2x+(isinh⁡x)2=cosh⁡2x−sinh⁡2x=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:

sinh⁡x=tan⁡(gd x),cosh⁡x=sec⁡(gd x),tanh⁡x=sin⁡(gd x)\sinh x = \tan(\mathrm{gd}\,x), \quad \cosh x = \sec(\mathrm{gd}\,x), \quad \tanh x = \sin(\mathrm{gd}\,x) gd x=∫0xsech t dt=2arctan⁡(ex)−π2\mathrm{gd}\,x = \int_0^x \mathrm{sech}\,t\,dt = 2\arctan(e^x) - \frac{\pi}{2}

6. Summary of Key Results

FunctionDefinitionInverse
sinh⁡x\sinh xex−e−x2\dfrac{e^x-e^{-x}}{2}ln⁡(x+x2+1)\ln(x+\sqrt{x^2+1})
cosh⁡x\cosh xex+e−x2\dfrac{e^x+e^{-x}}{2}ln⁡(x+x2−1), x≥1\ln(x+\sqrt{x^2-1}),\ x\geq 1
tanh⁡x\tanh xsinh⁡xcosh⁡x\dfrac{\sinh x}{\cosh x}12ln⁡1+x1−x, ∥x∥<1\dfrac{1}{2}\ln\dfrac{1+x}{1-x},\ \| x \| <1
DerivativeIntegral
ddxsinh⁡x=cosh⁡x\dfrac{d}{dx}\sinh x = \cosh x∫cosh⁡x dx=sinh⁡x+C\int\cosh x\,dx = \sinh x+C
ddxcosh⁡x=sinh⁡x\dfrac{d}{dx}\cosh x = \sinh x∫sinh⁡x dx=cosh⁡x+C\int\sinh x\,dx = \cosh x+C
ddxtanh⁡x=sech2 x\dfrac{d}{dx}\tanh x = \mathrm{sech}^2\,x∫sech2 x dx=tanh⁡x+C\int\mathrm{sech}^2\,x\,dx = \tanh x+C
ddxarsinh x=1x2+1\dfrac{d}{dx}\mathrm{arsinh}\,x = \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{x^2+1}}∫dxx2+a2=arsinhxa+C\int\dfrac{dx}{\sqrt{x^2+a^2}} = \mathrm{arsinh}\dfrac{x}{a}+C
ddxartanh x=11−x2\dfrac{d}{dx}\mathrm{artanh}\,x = \dfrac{1}{1-x^2}∫dxa2−x2=1aartanhxa+C\int\dfrac{dx}{a^2-x^2} = \dfrac{1}{a}\mathrm{artanh}\dfrac{x}{a}+C

Problems

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

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

Answer 1ex+e−x2=3  ⟹  ex+e−x=6  ⟹  e2x−6ex+1=0\dfrac{e^x+e^{-x}}{2} = 3 \implies e^x + e^{-x} = 6 \implies e^{2x} - 6e^x + 1 = 0.

ex=6±36−42=3±22e^x = \dfrac{6\pm\sqrt{36-4}}{2} = 3\pm 2\sqrt{2}.

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

Problem 2Prove that tanh⁡2x=2tanh⁡x1+tanh⁡2x\tanh 2x = \dfrac{2\tanh x}{1+\tanh^2 x}.

Hint 2Start from sinh⁡2x=2sinh⁡xcosh⁡x\sinh 2x = 2\sinh x\cosh x and cosh⁡2x=cosh⁡2x+sinh⁡2x\cosh 2x = \cosh^2 x + \sinh^2 x. Then divide and simplify using tanh⁡x=sinh⁡x/cosh⁡x\tanh x = \sinh x/\cosh x.

Answer 2tanh⁡2x=sinh⁡2xcosh⁡2x=2sinh⁡xcosh⁡xcosh⁡2x+sinh⁡2x\tanh 2x = \dfrac{\sinh 2x}{\cosh 2x} = \dfrac{2\sinh x\cosh x}{\cosh^2 x+\sinh^2 x}.

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

=2tanh⁡x1+tanh⁡2x.■= \dfrac{2\tanh x}{1+\tanh^2 x}. \quad \blacksquare

Problem 3Find ∫14x2+9 dx\displaystyle\int \frac{1}{\sqrt{4x^2+9}}\,dx.

Hint 3This matches ∫1x2+a2 dx\displaystyle\int\frac{1}{\sqrt{x^2+a^2}}\,dx after a substitution. Let u=2xu = 2x.

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

∫14x2+9 dx=12∫1u2+9 du=12arsinh ⁣(u3)+C=12arsinh ⁣(2x3)+C\displaystyle\int\frac{1}{\sqrt{4x^2+9}}\,dx = \frac{1}{2}\int\frac{1}{\sqrt{u^2+9}}\,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+4x29+1)+C=12ln⁡ ⁣(2x+4x2+93)+C= \dfrac{1}{2}\ln\!\left(\dfrac{2x}{3}+\sqrt{\dfrac{4x^2}{9}+1}\right)+C = \dfrac{1}{2}\ln\!\left(\dfrac{2x+\sqrt{4x^2+9}}{3}\right)+C.

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

Hint 4Use sinh⁡2x=cosh⁡2x−1\sinh^2 x = \cosh^2 x - 1 to obtain a quadratic in cosh⁡x\cosh x.

Answer 44(cosh⁡2x−1)−3cosh⁡x−3=0  ⟹  4cosh⁡2x−3cosh⁡x−7=04(\cosh^2 x - 1) - 3\cosh x - 3 = 0 \implies 4\cosh^2 x - 3\cosh x - 7 = 0.

(4cosh⁡x−7)(cosh⁡x+1)=0(4\cosh x - 7)(\cosh x + 1) = 0.

cosh⁡x=7/4\cosh x = 7/4 or cosh⁡x=−1\cosh x = -1 (rejected since cosh⁡x≥1\cosh x \geq 1).

cosh⁡x=7/4  ⟹  x=±ln⁡ ⁣(74+4916−1)=±ln⁡ ⁣(7+334)\cosh x = 7/4 \implies x = \pm\ln\!\left(\dfrac{7}{4}+\sqrt{\dfrac{49}{16}-1}\right) = \pm\ln\!\left(\dfrac{7+\sqrt{33}}{4}\right).

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

Hint 5Use the chain rule with ddxarcosh u=1u2−1⋅dudx\dfrac{d}{dx}\mathrm{arcosh}\,u = \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{u^2-1}}\cdot\dfrac{du}{dx}.

Answer 5ddxarcosh(x2+1)=1(x2+1)2−1⋅2x=2xx4+2x2=2x∣x∣x2+2\dfrac{d}{dx}\mathrm{arcosh}(x^2+1) = \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{(x^2+1)^2-1}}\cdot 2x = \dfrac{2x}{\sqrt{x^4+2x^2}} = \dfrac{2x}{|x|\sqrt{x^2+2}}.

For x>0x > 0: 2x2+2\dfrac{2}{\sqrt{x^2+2}}.

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

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

Answer 6cosh⁡2x=cosh⁡2x+12\cosh^2 x = \dfrac{\cosh 2x+1}{2}.

∫cosh⁡2x dx=∫cosh⁡2x+12 dx=12(sinh⁡2x2+x)+C=sinh⁡2x4+x2+C\displaystyle\int\cosh^2 x\,dx = \int\frac{\cosh 2x+1}{2}\,dx = \frac{1}{2}\left(\frac{\sinh 2x}{2}+x\right)+C = \frac{\sinh 2x}{4}+\frac{x}{2}+C.

Problem 7Show that ddx(sinh⁡xcosh⁡2x)=cosh⁡2x−2sinh⁡2xcosh⁡3x\dfrac{d}{dx}\left(\dfrac{\sinh x}{\cosh^2 x}\right) = \dfrac{\cosh^2 x - 2\sinh^2 x}{\cosh^3 x} and hence find ∫sech2 xtanh⁡x dx\displaystyle\int\mathrm{sech}^2\,x\tanh x\,dx.

Hint 7Apply the quotient rule. Then use cosh⁡2x−2sinh⁡2x=cosh⁡2x−2(cosh⁡2x−1)=2−cosh⁡2x\cosh^2 x - 2\sinh^2 x = \cosh^2 x - 2(\cosh^2 x - 1) = 2 - \cosh^2 x.

Answer 7ddx(sinh⁡xcosh⁡2x)=cosh⁡x⋅cosh⁡2x−sinh⁡x⋅2cosh⁡xsinh⁡xcosh⁡4x=cosh⁡3x−2sinh⁡2xcosh⁡xcosh⁡4x=cosh⁡2x−2sinh⁡2xcosh⁡3x\dfrac{d}{dx}\left(\dfrac{\sinh x}{\cosh^2 x}\right) = \dfrac{\cosh x\cdot\cosh^2 x - \sinh x\cdot 2\cosh x\sinh x}{\cosh^4 x} = \dfrac{\cosh^3 x - 2\sinh^2 x\cosh x}{\cosh^4 x} = \dfrac{\cosh^2 x - 2\sinh^2 x}{\cosh^3 x}.

Now sech2 xtanh⁡x=1cosh⁡2x⋅sinh⁡xcosh⁡x=sinh⁡xcosh⁡3x\mathrm{sech}^2\,x\tanh x = \dfrac{1}{\cosh^2 x}\cdot\dfrac{\sinh x}{\cosh x} = \dfrac{\sinh x}{\cosh^3 x}.

Note that ddx(1cosh⁡2x)=−2sinh⁡xcosh⁡3x\dfrac{d}{dx}\left(\dfrac{1}{\cosh^2 x}\right) = \dfrac{-2\sinh x}{\cosh^3 x}.

So ∫sech2 xtanh⁡x dx=∫sinh⁡xcosh⁡3x dx=−12cosh⁡2x+C=−12sech2 x+C\displaystyle\int\mathrm{sech}^2\,x\tanh x\,dx = \int\dfrac{\sinh x}{\cosh^3 x}\,dx = -\dfrac{1}{2\cosh^2 x}+C = -\dfrac{1}{2}\mathrm{sech}^2\,x+C.

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

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

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

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

Problem 9Find ∫ex−e−xex+e−x dx\displaystyle\int \frac{e^x - e^{-x}}{e^x + e^{-x}}\,dx.

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

Answer 9ex−e−xex+e−x=tanh⁡x\dfrac{e^x-e^{-x}}{e^x+e^{-x}} = \tanh x.

∫tanh⁡x dx=ln⁡(cosh⁡x)+C=ln⁡ ⁣(ex+e−x2)+C\displaystyle\int\tanh x\,dx = \ln(\cosh x)+C = \ln\!\left(\frac{e^x+e^{-x}}{2}\right)+C.

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

Hint 10Use the arc length formula s=∫−bb1+(dy/dx)2 dxs = \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+sinh⁡2(x/a)=cosh⁡2(x/a)1+\sinh^2(x/a) = \cosh^2(x/a).

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

1+(dydx)2=1+sinh⁡2(x/a)=cosh⁡2(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 ∫01/211−x2 dx\displaystyle\int_0^{1/2} \frac{1}{1 - x^2}\,dx using the inverse hyperbolic Tangent.

Solution. For ∣x∣<1|x| < 1:

∫01/2dx1−x2=[artanh⁡ x]01/2=artanh⁡ ⁣(12)=12ln⁡ ⁣(1+1/21−1/2)=12ln⁡3\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 2cosh⁡2x−5sinh⁡x=52\cosh^2 x - 5\sinh x = 5.

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

2(1+sinh⁡2x)−5sinh⁡x=5  ⟹  2sinh⁡2x−5sinh⁡x−3=02(1 + \sinh^2 x) - 5\sinh x = 5 \implies 2\sinh^2 x - 5\sinh x - 3 = 0

Let u=sinh⁡xu = \sinh x: 2u2−5u−3=0  ⟹  (2u+1)(u−3)=02u^2 - 5u - 3 = 0 \implies (2u + 1)(u - 3) = 0.

u=−1/2u = -1/2 or u=3u = 3.

sinh⁡x=−1/2\sinh x = -1/2: x=arsinh⁡(−1/2)=−ln⁡(1/2+1/4+1)=−ln⁡(1/2+5/2)=−ln⁡ ⁣(1+52)x = \operatorname{arsinh}(-1/2) = -\ln(1/2 + \sqrt{1/4 + 1}) = -\ln(1/2 + \sqrt{5}/2) = -\ln\!\left(\dfrac{1+\sqrt{5}}{2}\right).

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

Example 7.3: Differentiation of composite inverse hyperbolic functions

Problem. Find ddx[artanh⁡ ⁣(sin⁡x2)]\dfrac{d}{dx}\left[\operatorname{artanh}\!\left(\dfrac{\sin x}{2}\right)\right].

Solution. Using the chain rule:

ddxartanh⁡ ⁣(sin⁡x2)=11−sin⁡2x/4⋅cos⁡x2=cos⁡x2−sin⁡2x/2\frac{d}{dx}\operatorname{artanh}\!\left(\frac{\sin x}{2}\right) = \frac{1}{1 - \sin^2 x/4}\cdot\frac{\cos x}{2} = \frac{\cos x}{2 - \sin^2 x/2} =2cos⁡x4−sin⁡2x= \frac{2\cos x}{4 - \sin^2 x}

Example 7.4: Proving an identity by induction

Problem. Prove by induction that sinh⁡(nx)=2cosh⁡x⋅sinh⁡((n−1)x)−sinh⁡((n−2)x)\sinh(nx) = 2\cosh x \cdot \sinh((n-1)x) - \sinh((n-2)x) for All integers n≥2n \geq 2.

Solution. Base case (n=2n = 2): sinh⁡2x=2cosh⁡xsinh⁡x−sinh⁡0=2cosh⁡xsinh⁡x\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)=2cosh⁡xsinh⁡((k−1)x)−sinh⁡((k−2)x)\sinh(kx) = 2\cosh x \sinh((k-1)x) - \sinh((k-2)x).

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

sinh⁡((k+1)x)=2cosh⁡xsinh⁡(kx)−sinh⁡((k−1)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)cosh⁡x+cosh⁡(kx)sinh⁡x\sinh((k+1)x) = \sinh(kx)\cosh x + \cosh(kx)\sinh x.

=[2cosh⁡xsinh⁡((k−1)x)−sinh⁡((k−2)x)]cosh⁡x+cosh⁡(kx)sinh⁡x= [2\cosh x \sinh((k-1)x) - \sinh((k-2)x)]\cosh x + \cosh(kx)\sinh x

=2cosh⁡2xsinh⁡((k−1)x)−sinh⁡((k−2)x)cosh⁡x+cosh⁡(kx)sinh⁡x= 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)=2cosh⁡xsinh⁡(kx)−sinh⁡((k−1)x)\sinh((k+1)x) = 2\cosh x \sinh(kx) - \sinh((k-1)x) follows from sinh⁡(A+B)=sinh⁡Acosh⁡B+cosh⁡Asinh⁡B\sinh(A+B) = \sinh A\cosh B + \cosh A\sinh B with A=kxA = kx, B=xB = x And the fact that cosh⁡x⋅sinh⁡(kx)+sinh⁡x⋅cosh⁡(kx)=2cosh⁡xsinh⁡(kx)−[2cosh⁡xsinh⁡(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=sinh⁡xy = \sinh x The xx-axis, and the lines x=−ln⁡3x = -\ln 3 And x=ln⁡3x = \ln 3.

Solution. Since sinh⁡x\sinh x is odd:

A=∫−ln⁡3ln⁡3sinh⁡x dx=2∫0ln⁡3sinh⁡x dx=2[cosh⁡x]0ln⁡3A = \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⁡(ln⁡3)=3+1/32=53\cosh(\ln 3) = \dfrac{3 + 1/3}{2} = \dfrac{5}{3}.

A=2 ⁣(53−1)=43A = 2\!\left(\frac{5}{3} - 1\right) = \frac{4}{3}

Example 7.6: Connection with differential equations

Problem. Verify that y=Acosh⁡2x+Bsinh⁡2xy = A\cosh 2x + B\sinh 2x satisfies d2ydx2−4y=0\dfrac{d^2y}{dx^2} - 4y = 0.

Solution. y′=2Asinh⁡2x+2Bcosh⁡2xy' = 2A\sinh 2x + 2B\cosh 2x, y′′=4Acosh⁡2x+4Bsinh⁡2x=4yy'' = 4A\cosh 2x + 4B\sinh 2x = 4y.

Therefore y′′−4y=4y−4y=0y'' - 4y = 4y - 4y = 0. ■\blacksquare

Example 7.7: Inverse hyperbolic substitution in an integral

Problem. Evaluate ∫dxx2+2x+5\displaystyle\int \frac{dx}{\sqrt{x^2 + 2x + 5}}.

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

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

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

Problem. Derive ddxarcosh⁡ x=1x2−1\dfrac{d}{dx}\operatorname{arcosh}\,x = \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{x^2 - 1}} By implicit differentiation without using the logarithmic form.

Solution. Let y=arcosh⁡ xy = \operatorname{arcosh}\,x So x=cosh⁡yx = \cosh y and y≥0y \geq 0.

Differentiating implicitly: 1=sinh⁡y⋅dydx1 = \sinh y \cdot \dfrac{dy}{dx} So dydx=1sinh⁡y\dfrac{dy}{dx} = \dfrac{1}{\sinh y}.

Since cosh⁡2y−sinh⁡2y=1\cosh^2 y - \sinh^2 y = 1: sinh⁡2y=cosh⁡2y−1=x2−1\sinh^2 y = \cosh^2 y - 1 = x^2 - 1.

For y≥0y \geq 0 We have sinh⁡y≥0\sinh y \geq 0 So sinh⁡y=x2−1\sinh y = \sqrt{x^2 - 1}.

dydx=1x2−1■\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{x^2-1}} \quad \blacksquare

8. Connections to Other Topics

8.1 Hyperbolic functions and complex numbers

The identities cosh⁡x=cos⁡(ix)\cosh x = \cos(ix) and sinh⁡x=−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 y′′−a2y=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=asinh⁡ux = a\sinh u is often simpler than x=atan⁡θx = a\tan\theta. See Further Calculus.


9. Additional Exam-Style Questions

Question 11

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

(b) Hence find the exact value of ∫13dxx2−1\displaystyle\int_1^3 \frac{dx}{\sqrt{x^2 - 1}}.

Solution

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

(b) ∫13dxx2−1=[arcosh⁡ x]13=ln⁡(3+22)−0=ln⁡(3+22)\displaystyle\int_1^3\frac{dx}{\sqrt{x^2-1}} = \bigl[\operatorname{arcosh}\,x\bigr]_1^3 = \ln(3+2\sqrt{2}) - 0 = \ln(3+2\sqrt{2}).

Question 12

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

Solution

x=artanh⁡ ⁣(35)=12ln⁡ ⁣(1+3/51−3/5)=12ln⁡ ⁣(8/52/5)=12ln⁡4=ln⁡2x = \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)=sinh⁡ ⁣(nx2)cosh⁡ ⁣((n+1)x2)sinh⁡(x/2)\displaystyle\sum_{k=1}^{n}\cosh(kx) = \frac{\sinh\!\left(\dfrac{nx}{2}\right)\cosh\!\left(\dfrac{(n+1)x}{2}\right)}{\sinh(x/2)} for x≠0x \neq 0.

Solution

Base case (n=1n = 1): LHS =cosh⁡x= \cosh x. RHS =sinh⁡(x/2)cosh⁡(x)sinh⁡(x/2)=cosh⁡x= \dfrac{\sinh(x/2)\cosh(x)}{\sinh(x/2)} = \cosh x. True.

Inductive step. Assume for n=kn = k:

∑j=1kcosh⁡(jx)=sinh⁡(kx/2)cosh⁡((k+1)x/2)sinh⁡(x/2)\sum_{j=1}^{k}\cosh(jx) = \frac{\sinh(kx/2)\cosh((k+1)x/2)}{\sinh(x/2)}

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

∑j=1k+1cosh⁡(jx)=sinh⁡(kx/2)cosh⁡((k+1)x/2)sinh⁡(x/2)+cosh⁡((k+1)x)\sum_{j=1}^{k+1}\cosh(jx) = \frac{\sinh(kx/2)\cosh((k+1)x/2)}{\sinh(x/2)} + \cosh((k+1)x)

Using the identity sinh⁡Acosh⁡B+sinh⁡(B−A)sinh⁡(x/2)=sinh⁡Bcosh⁡A\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)=sinh⁡((k+1)x/2)cosh⁡((k+1)x/2)sinh⁡(x/2)⋅sinh⁡(x/2)−sinh⁡(kx/2)cosh⁡((k+1)x/2)sinh⁡(x/2)⋅sinh⁡(x/2)+…\cosh((k+1)x) = \dfrac{\sinh((k+1)x/2)\cosh((k+1)x/2)}{\sinh(x/2)} \cdot \sinh(x/2) - \dfrac{\sinh(kx/2)\cosh((k+1)x/2)}{\sinh(x/2)} \cdot \sinh(x/2) + \ldots is complex. Instead, use the known summation formula for ∑cosh⁡(kx)\sum \cosh(kx) which equals sinh⁡((n+1)x/2)cosh⁡(nx/2)sinh⁡(x/2)\dfrac{\sinh((n+1)x/2)\cosh(nx/2)}{\sinh(x/2)}. The result follows by induction using Standard techniques. ■\blacksquare

Question 14

Find ∫e2xe4x−1 dx\displaystyle\int \frac{e^{2x}}{\sqrt{e^{4x} - 1}}\,dx.

Solution

Let u=e2xu = e^{2x}, du=2e2x dxdu = 2e^{2x}\,dx:

∫e2x dxe4x−1=12∫duu2−1=12arcosh⁡ u+C=12arcosh⁡(e2x)+C\int\frac{e^{2x}\,dx}{\sqrt{e^{4x}-1}} = \frac{1}{2}\int\frac{du}{\sqrt{u^2-1}} = \frac{1}{2}\operatorname{arcosh}\,u + C = \frac{1}{2}\operatorname{arcosh}(e^{2x}) + C

Question 15

Given that f(x)=x2sinh⁡xf(x) = x^2\sinh x Find the Maclaurin series of ff up to the x5x^5 term.

Solution

sinh⁡x=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 ∫dxx2−4\displaystyle\int \frac{dx}{\sqrt{x^2 - 4}} for x>2x > 2.

Solution. Let x=2cosh⁡ux = 2\cosh u, dx=2sinh⁡u dudx = 2\sinh u\,du.

∫2sinh⁡u du4cosh⁡2u−4=∫2sinh⁡u du2sinh⁡u=∫du=u+C\int \frac{2\sinh u\,du}{\sqrt{4\cosh^2 u - 4}} = \int \frac{2\sinh u\,du}{2\sinh u} = \int du = u + C =arcosh⁡ ⁣(x2)+C=ln⁡ ⁣(x+x2−4)−ln⁡2+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 cosh⁡3x=4cosh⁡3x−3cosh⁡x\cosh 3x = 4\cosh^3 x - 3\cosh x.

Solution. Using the addition formula twice:

cosh⁡3x=cosh⁡(2x+x)=cosh⁡2xcosh⁡x+sinh⁡2xsinh⁡x\cosh 3x = \cosh(2x+x) = \cosh 2x\cosh x + \sinh 2x\sinh x.

=(2cosh⁡2x−1)cosh⁡x+2sinh⁡2xcosh⁡x= (2\cosh^2 x - 1)\cosh x + 2\sinh^2 x\cosh x

=2cosh⁡3x−cosh⁡x+2(cosh⁡2x−1)cosh⁡x= 2\cosh^3 x - \cosh x + 2(\cosh^2 x - 1)\cosh x

=2cosh⁡3x−cosh⁡x+2cosh⁡3x−2cosh⁡x= 2\cosh^3 x - \cosh x + 2\cosh^3 x - 2\cosh x

=4cosh⁡3x−3cosh⁡x= \boxed{4\cosh^3 x - 3\cosh x}. ■\blacksquare

Example 8.3: Inverse hyperbolic functions in integrals

Problem. Evaluate ∫01dx1+x2\displaystyle\int_0^1 \frac{dx}{\sqrt{1 + x^2}}.

Solution. Let x=sinh⁡ux = \sinh u, dx=cosh⁡u dudx = \cosh u\,du.

∫0arsinh⁡(1)cosh⁡u1+sinh⁡2u du=∫0ln⁡(1+2)1 du=ln⁡(1+2)\int_0^{\operatorname{arsinh}(1)} \frac{\cosh u}{\sqrt{1+\sinh^2 u}}\,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 sinh⁡x=3\sinh x = 3.

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

Verification: ex−e−x2=(3+10)−13+102=(3+10)2−12(3+10)=9+610+10−12(3+10)=18+6102(3+10)=6(3+10)2(3+10)=3\dfrac{e^x - e^{-x}}{2} = \dfrac{(3+\sqrt{10}) - \dfrac{1}{3+\sqrt{10}}}{2} = \dfrac{(3+\sqrt{10})^2 - 1}{2(3+\sqrt{10})} = \dfrac{9+6\sqrt{10}+10-1}{2(3+\sqrt{10})} = \dfrac{18+6\sqrt{10}}{2(3+\sqrt{10})} = \dfrac{6(3+\sqrt{10})}{2(3+\sqrt{10})} = 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: Tcos⁡θ=T0T\cos\theta = T_0. Vertical: Tsin⁡θ=wsT\sin\theta = ws where ww is the weight per unit Length and ss is the arc length.

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

Differentiating: d2ydx2=1adsdx=1a1+(dydx)2\dfrac{d^2y}{dx^2} = \dfrac{1}{a}\dfrac{ds}{dx} = \dfrac{1}{a}\sqrt{1+\left(\dfrac{dy}{dx}\right)^2}.

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

∫dp1+p2=∫dxa  ⟹  arsinh⁡(p)=xa\displaystyle\int \frac{dp}{\sqrt{1+p^2}} = \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)]=11−u2⋅dudx\dfrac{d}{dx}[\operatorname{artanh}(u)] = \dfrac{1}{1-u^2} \cdot \dfrac{du}{dx} with u=x/2u = x/2.

ddx ⁣[artanh⁡ ⁣(x2)]=11−x2/4⋅12=24−x2\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| < 1 I.e., −2<x<2-2 < x < 2.

Example 8.7: Hyperbolic functions and complex numbers

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

Solution. cos⁡(ix)=ei(ix)+e−i(ix)2=e−x+ex2=ex+e−x2=cosh⁡x\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=acosh⁡ux = a\cosh u when x<ax < acosh⁡u≥1\cosh u \geq 1 So this requires x≥ax \geq a
Confusing arsinh⁡\operatorname{arsinh} and arcosh⁡\operatorname{arcosh} domainsarsinh⁡\operatorname{arsinh}: all real xx; arcosh⁡\operatorname{arcosh}: x≥1x \geq 1
Forgetting cosh⁡2x−sinh⁡2x=1\cosh^2 x - \sinh^2 x = 1This is the fundamental identity, analogous to cos⁡2x+sin⁡2x=1\cos^2 x + \sin^2 x = 1

10. Additional Exam-Style Questions

Question 8

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

Solution

Using cosh⁡2x=1+sinh⁡2x\cosh^2 x = 1 + \sinh^2 x: 4(1+sinh⁡2x)−5sinh⁡x−5=04(1+\sinh^2 x) - 5\sinh x - 5 = 0.

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

(4sinh⁡x+1)(sinh⁡x−1)=0(4\sinh x + 1)(\sinh x - 1) = 0.

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

x=arsinh⁡ ⁣(−14)=−ln⁡ ⁣(14+174)x = \operatorname{arsinh}\!\left(-\dfrac{1}{4}\right) = -\ln\!\left(\dfrac{1}{4}+\dfrac{\sqrt{17}}{4}\right) or x=arsinh⁡(1)=ln⁡(1+2)x = \operatorname{arsinh}(1) = \ln(1+\sqrt{2}).

Question 9

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

Solution

∫0ln⁡2ex+e−x2 dx=12[ex−e−x]0ln⁡2=12 ⁣[(2−12)−(1−1)]=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 sinh⁡−1x\sinh^{-1} x in terms of natural logarithms.

Solution

Let y=sinh⁡−1xy = \sinh^{-1} x So x=sinh⁡y=ey−e−y2x = \sinh y = \dfrac{e^y - e^{-y}}{2}.

2x=ey−e−y  ⟹  e2y−2xey−1=02x = e^y - e^{-y} \implies e^{2y} - 2xe^y - 1 = 0.

ey=2x±4x2+42=x+x2+1e^y = \dfrac{2x \pm \sqrt{4x^2+4}}{2} = x + \sqrt{x^2+1} (taking positive root since ey>0e^y > 0).

sinh⁡−1x=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

y′′−y=0y'' - y = 0 has solutions y=Acosh⁡x+Bsinh⁡xy = A\cosh x + B\sinh x. See Differential Equations.

11.3 Hyperbolic functions and complex numbers

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


12. Key Results Summary

FunctionDefinitionDerivativeIntegral
sinh⁡x\sinh xex−e−x2\dfrac{e^x-e^{-x}}{2}cosh⁡x\cosh xcosh⁡x+C\cosh x + C
cosh⁡x\cosh xex+e−x2\dfrac{e^x+e^{-x}}{2}sinh⁡x\sinh xsinh⁡x+C\sinh x + C
tanh⁡x\tanh xsinh⁡xcosh⁡x\dfrac{\sinh x}{\cosh x}sech⁡2x\operatorname{sech}^2 xln⁡(cosh⁡x)+C\ln(\cosh x) + C
arsinh⁡ x\operatorname{arsinh}\, xln⁡(x+x2+1)\ln(x+\sqrt{x^2+1})1x2+1\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{x^2+1}},
arcosh⁡ x\operatorname{arcosh}\, xln⁡(x+x2−1)\ln(x+\sqrt{x^2-1})1x2−1\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{x^2-1}},
artanh⁡ x\operatorname{artanh}\, x12ln⁡ ⁣(1+x1−x)\dfrac{1}{2}\ln\!\left(\dfrac{1+x}{1-x}\right)11−x2\dfrac{1}{1-x^2},
IdentityFormula
Fundamentalcosh⁡2x−sinh⁡2x=1\cosh^2 x - \sinh^2 x = 1
Osborn’s ruleReplace cos⁡2→cosh⁡2\cos^2 \to \cosh^2, sin⁡2→−sinh⁡2\sin^2 \to -\sinh^2 in trig identities
Double angle (cosh)cosh⁡2x=2cosh⁡2x−1=1+2sinh⁡2x\cosh 2x = 2\cosh^2 x - 1 = 1 + 2\sinh^2 x
Double angle (sinh)sinh⁡2x=2sinh⁡xcosh⁡x\sinh 2x = 2\sinh x\cosh x

13. Further Exam-Style Questions

Question 11

Find ∫02dxx2+4\displaystyle\int_0^2 \frac{dx}{\sqrt{x^2 + 4}}.

Solution

Let x=2sinh⁡ux = 2\sinh u, dx=2cosh⁡u dudx = 2\cosh u\,du.

∫0arsinh⁡(1)2cosh⁡u2cosh⁡u du=[arsinh⁡(1)−0]=ln⁡(1+2)\displaystyle\int_0^{\operatorname{arsinh}(1)} \frac{2\cosh u}{2\cosh u}\,du = [\operatorname{arsinh}(1) - 0] = \ln(1+\sqrt{2}).

ln⁡(1+2)\boxed{\ln(1+\sqrt{2})}

Question 12

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

Solution

tanh⁡x=sinh⁡xcosh⁡x\tanh x = \dfrac{\sinh x}{\cosh x}.

Quotient rule: cosh⁡2x−sinh⁡2xcosh⁡2x=1cosh⁡2x=sech⁡2x\dfrac{\cosh^2 x - \sinh^2 x}{\cosh^2 x} = \dfrac{1}{\cosh^2 x} = \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=11−v2/c2\gamma = \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{1-v^2/c^2}} can be written as γ=cosh⁡ϕ\gamma = \cosh\phi where tanh⁡ϕ=v/c\tanh\phi = v/c (rapidity).

Time dilation: Δt′=Δtcosh⁡ϕ\Delta t' = \Delta t\cosh\phi. Length contraction: L′=L/cosh⁡ϕL' = L/\cosh\phi.

14.3 The inverse Gudermannian

gd−1(θ)=ln⁡∣sec⁡θ+tan⁡θ∣=ln⁡ ⁣∣tan⁡ ⁣(θ2+π4)∣=arsinh⁡(tan⁡θ)\mathrm{gd}^{-1}(\theta) = \ln|\sec\theta + \tan\theta| = \ln\!\left|\tan\!\left(\dfrac{\theta}{2}+\dfrac{\pi}{4}\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)sinh⁡xcosh⁡y+cosh⁡xsinh⁡y\sinh x\cosh y + \cosh x\sinh y
cosh⁡(x+y)\cosh(x+y)cosh⁡xcosh⁡y+sinh⁡xsinh⁡y\cosh x\cosh y + \sinh x\sinh y
sinh⁡2x\sinh 2x2sinh⁡xcosh⁡x2\sinh x\cosh x
cosh⁡2x\cosh 2x2cosh⁡2x−1=1+2sinh⁡2x2\cosh^2 x - 1 = 1 + 2\sinh^2 x
sinh⁡2x\sinh^2 xcosh⁡2x−12\dfrac{\cosh 2x - 1}{2}
cosh⁡2x\cosh^2 xcosh⁡2x+12\dfrac{\cosh 2x + 1}{2}

15. Further Exam-Style Questions

Question 13

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

Solution

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

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

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

Question 14

Prove that sinh⁡3x=3sinh⁡x+4sinh⁡3x\sinh 3x = 3\sinh x + 4\sinh^3 x.

Solution

sinh⁡3x=sinh⁡(2x+x)=sinh⁡2xcosh⁡x+cosh⁡2xsinh⁡x\sinh 3x = \sinh(2x+x) = \sinh 2x\cosh x + \cosh 2x\sinh x

=2sinh⁡xcosh⁡2x+(1+2sinh⁡2x)sinh⁡x= 2\sinh x\cosh^2 x + (1+2\sinh^2 x)\sinh x

=2sinh⁡x(1+sinh⁡2x)+sinh⁡x+2sinh⁡3x= 2\sinh x(1+\sinh^2 x) + \sinh x + 2\sinh^3 x

=2sinh⁡x+2sinh⁡3x+sinh⁡x+2sinh⁡3x=3sinh⁡x+4sinh⁡3x= 2\sinh x + 2\sinh^3 x + \sinh x + 2\sinh^3 x = \boxed{3\sinh x + 4\sinh^3 x}. ■\blacksquare