How did mathematicians discover the expressions of hyperbolic functions?

In summary, the hyperbolic functions ##\cosh t## and ##\sinh t## represent the x and y coordinates, respectively, of the parametric equation of the parabola ##x^2-y^2=1##. Their exponential expressions are given by ##\sinh x = {e^x-e^{-x}} /2## and ##\cosh x = {e^x+e^{-x}} /2##, with the restrictions that x is a real number and f(x) is in the specified range. To derive these expressions, one can use the proof that ##\cosh^2 t - \sinh^2 t =
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Leo Liu
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The hyperbolic function ##\cosh t \text{ and } \sinh t## respectively represent the x and y coordinate of the parametric equation of the parabola ##x^2-y^2=1##. The exponential expressions of these hyperbolic functions are
$$
\begin{cases}
\sinh x = {e^x-e^{-x}} /2; \: x \in \mathbb R, \: f(x) \in \mathbb R \\
\cosh x = {e^x+e^{-x}} /2; \: x \in \mathbb R, \: f(x) \in [1,\infty)
\end{cases}
$$
But I would like to know how to derive these expressions. Thanks.

P.S. I do know the proof--##\cosh^2 t - \sinh^2 t = 1## is equivalent to ##x^2-y^2=1##.
 
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This would be easier to follow if you always call the parameter t and the Cartesian coordinates (x,y)
 
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1. How did mathematicians first become interested in hyperbolic functions?

The study of hyperbolic functions began in the 1700s when mathematicians were attempting to solve problems related to the shape of curves, such as the catenary curve and the tractrix. These curves were found to have properties similar to the familiar trigonometric functions, leading to the development of hyperbolic functions.

2. Who were the first mathematicians to discover hyperbolic functions?

The concept of hyperbolic functions was first explored by mathematicians such as Johann Heinrich Lambert and Leonhard Euler in the 18th century. Later, the French mathematician Gaspard Monge and the German mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss also made significant contributions to the study of hyperbolic functions.

3. How were the expressions for hyperbolic functions derived?

The expressions for hyperbolic functions were derived using the exponential function, which was already well-known at the time. By manipulating the exponential function, mathematicians were able to create new functions that were analogous to the trigonometric functions, but with different properties.

4. What are the practical applications of hyperbolic functions?

Hyperbolic functions have various applications in fields such as physics, engineering, and economics. They are used to model various real-world phenomena, including the shape of suspension bridges, the motion of a pendulum, and the growth of populations.

5. How did the study of hyperbolic functions contribute to the development of calculus?

The study of hyperbolic functions played a crucial role in the development of calculus. The properties of these functions helped mathematicians better understand complex curves and their derivatives, leading to important developments in the field of calculus.

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