How do you write hyperbolic functions in LaTeX?

AI Thread Summary
To write hyperbolic functions like secant, cosecant, and cotangent in LaTeX, users should avoid using commands like \sech and \csch directly, as they may not be defined by default. Instead, it is recommended to use \text{sech} and create custom macros in the preamble for better formatting. The command \coth appears to work for some users, but issues may arise when using it within certain environments like eqnarray*. To resolve undefined control sequence errors, users can define new commands with \newcommand or use \DeclareMathOperator if the amsmath package is included. Proper spacing and formatting are crucial for correct rendering in LaTeX documents.
mathemagician
Hi! How do you write the LaTeX code for the secant, cosecant, and cotangent hyperbolic functions?

I tried using \sech, \csch, and \coth but I am getting an error when I run the latex program. It is giving me a undefiend control sequence message? Is there a package I need to include in my .tex file to have those hyperbolic functions?

Thanks
 
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just use \text{sech} and so on. you could create your own macro too. these aren't latex commands you see, though the coth one is supposed to be.

rather than search for a package that may have them and probably won't install easily just create the macros in your preamble
 
matt grime said:
just use \text{sech} and so on. you could create your own macro too. these aren't latex commands you see, though the coth one is supposed to be.

rather than search for a package that may have them and probably won't install easily just create the macros in your preamble

Thanks. I think I sort of jumped to conclusions with the coth. However, I still get an undefined control sequence error using \text{}. Does it matter it being used within an {eqnarray*} ?
 
mathemagician said:
Hi! How do you write the LaTeX code for the secant, cosecant, and cotangent hyperbolic functions?

I tried using \sech, \csch, and \coth but I am getting an error when I run the latex program. It is giving me a undefiend control sequence message? Is there a package I need to include in my .tex file to have those hyperbolic functions?

Thanks
\coth x works for me... I'm not using \text. Maybe you left no space between coth and the argument...
 
as he says, he's got coth to work.

i don't know why it's not working in an eqnarray* (though I wouldn't put the braces there ). Some environments have problems if \ is the first character of an entry in some slot, you could try typing {\text{sech}}
 
The other way around this problem, especially if using the command several times, is to create a new command in the preamble.

\newcommand{\sech}{\mathrm{sech} \,}

And similar for the others. The \mathrm will ensure it's written in normal font and the \, will make sure there is a gap between the function and variable.

Adrian.
 
If you're using amsmath, an even better way is to use \DeclareMathOperator.
 
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