What is the Y-coordinate of the extrema for cosh(x)+tanh(x)?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on finding the Y-coordinate of the extrema for the function cosh(x) + tanh(x). Participants explore methods for determining critical points and solving related equations, involving algebraic manipulation and the application of calculus concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the condition for extrema can be reduced to a fourth order algebraic equation with integer coefficients, starting from the derivative of the function.
  • Another participant identifies the equation x^3 + x + 1 = 0, where x = sinh(x), noting the absence of simple roots and expressing a need for a simpler solution.
  • A different participant proposes a two-step approach for finding roots, including the rational root test and using a numerical method if necessary.
  • One participant shares their detailed attempt at solving the problem, presenting a series of transformations and equations, while questioning the complexity of the solution.
  • Another participant agrees with the earlier identification of the cubic equation and mentions that there is at least one real solution expected to be negative and within the interval (-1,0), while suggesting that the other solutions may be complex.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying approaches to solving the problem, with some agreeing on the form of the equations involved, while others highlight the complexity and lack of simple solutions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact roots and methods to find them.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the dependence on specific algebraic manipulations and the potential complexity of the solutions, including the application of Cardano's formulas for cubic equations. There is also mention of the limitations of sinh(x) in taking only real values.

Eric78
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Hi, I need to find the Y-coordinate of the extrema of cosh(x)+tanh(x),

Thanks!
 
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Eric78 said:
Hi, I need to find the Y-coordinate of the extrema of cosh(x)+tanh(x),

Thanks!

You should be able to reduce everything to a fourth order algebraic equation with integer coefficents.
The condition for extrema (giving the critical points of the graphic) is
[tex](\cosh x+\tanh x)'=0[/tex] which gives an transcedental equation in the hyperbolic functions [tex]\cosh x[/tex] and [tex]\sinh x[/tex].Substitute the definition of these functions and then make the substitution [tex]\exp x = \lambda[/tex].The equation for lambda is as i said and look for its positive roots.
 
Yes, I found x^3+x+1=0 where x=sinh(x), but there is no simple root, and I need a quite simple solution...
 
I'd hunt the root down in 2 steps:

1. The rational root test

and if no rational roots then...

2. http://www.math.sc.edu/cgi-bin/sumcgi/Newton.pl
 
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Here is my attempt at the problem:

[tex]y = \cosh x + \tanh x[/tex]

[tex]y \cosh x = \cosh^2 x + \sinh x[/tex]

[tex]y' \cosh x + y \sinh x = 2 \cosh x \sinh x + \cosh \x[/tex]

[tex]y'=0[/tex]

[tex]\cosh^2 x + \sinh x = 2 \cosh x \sinh \x + \cosh \x[/tex]

[tex]\cosh^2 x + (\sinh x - \cosh x) - 2 \cosh x \sinh x = 0[/tex]

[tex]\frac{e^{2x} + 2e^x - 2e^{-2x}}{4} + e^{-x} - \frac{e^{2x} - e^{-2x}}{2} = 0[/tex]

[tex]e^{2x} + 2e^x - e^{-2x} + 4e^{-x} - 2e^{2x} + 2e^{-2x}=0[/tex]

[tex]-e^{2x} + 2e^x + 4e^{-x} + e^{-2x}=0[/tex]

[tex]-e^{4x} + 2e^{3x} + 4e^x + 1=0[/tex]

Have I made a mistake or something? Looks pretty hard to me (although solvable exactly).
 
Eric78 said:
Yes, I found x^3+x+1=0 where x=sinh(x), but there is no simple root, and I need a quite simple solution...

You're right.This is the quations u should be getting.There is at least one solution in R(which should be negative and in the interval (-1,0)),but to find all of them u have to apply Cardano's formulas.My guess is the other two are complex.And sinh(x) can take only real values,so the path to finding the extremas is hopefully clear from now.
 

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