An identity of hyperbolic functions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the identity of hyperbolic functions, specifically exploring the expression \((\cosh(x)+\sinh(x))^n\) and its relation to \(\cosh(nx)+\sinh(nx)\). Participants examine various approaches to prove or derive this identity, including the use of binomial expansion and potential applications of complex numbers and induction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes using the binomial theorem to expand \((\cosh(x)+\sinh(x))^n\) but notes that ignoring coefficients may not lead to a valid conclusion.
  • Another participant challenges the approach by emphasizing the importance of coefficients and suggests using complex numbers or induction as alternative methods.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about complex numbers and induction, indicating a willingness to learn more about these methods.
  • There is a suggestion that \(\cosh(x) + \sinh(x)\) simplifies to \(2e^x\), leading to a derived expression that includes a factor of \(2^{n-1}\), which is later debated as being redundant.
  • Multiple participants confirm that \(\cosh(x) + \sinh(x) = e^x\), but the implications of this simplification are not fully resolved.
  • Disagreement arises regarding the redundancy of the prefix \(2^{n-1}\), with some asserting it is redundant while others argue against this claim.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the validity of the initial approach or the significance of the coefficients. There are competing views on the simplification of \(\cosh(x) + \sinh(x)\) and the redundancy of the prefix in the derived expression.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the use of complex numbers and induction, indicating a potential gap in knowledge that may affect the discussion. The exploration of the identity is also limited by the initial assumptions made regarding coefficients.

Karol
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Prove: ##(\cosh(x)+\sinh(x))^n=\cosh(nx)+\sinh(nx)##
Newton's binomial: ##(a+b)^n=C^0_n a^n+C^1_n a^{n-1}b+...+C^n_n b^n## and: ##(a-b)^n~\rightarrow~(-1)^kC^k_n##
I ignore the coefficients.
$$(\cosh(x)+\sinh(x))^n=\cosh^n(x)+\cosh^{n-1}\sinh(x)+...+\sinh^n(x)$$
$$\cosh^n(x)=(e^x+e^{-x})^n=e^{nx}+e^{(n-2)x}+e^{(n-4)x}+...+e^{-nx}$$
$$\cosh^{n-1}\sinh(x)=(e^x+e^{-x})^{n-1}(e^x-e^{-x})=...=e^{nx}-e^{-nx}$$
I use this result in the next derivations:
$$\cosh^{(n-2)}x\sinh^2(x)=[(e^x+e^{-x})^{n-1}(e^x-e^{-x})](e^x-e^{-x})=...=e^{nx}+e^{-nx}-e^{(n-2)x}-e^{-(n-2)x}$$
$$\cosh^{(n-3)}x\sinh^3(x)=[(e^x+e^{-x})^{n-1}(e^x-e^{-x})](e^x-e^{-x})^2=...=e^{nx}-e^{-nx}+2e^{-(n-2)x}+e^{(n-4)x}-2e^{(n-2)x}-e^{-(n-4)x}$$
It doesn't lead anywhere
 
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You cannot "ignore the coefficients". They are important.

Can you use complex numbers?

Did you try induction?
 
I ignored coefficients to see if my method brings me somewhere, later i would have considered them.
I don't know complex numbers good, i will try to learn. the same for induction
 
Karol said:
I ignored coefficients to see if my method brings me somewhere, later i would have considered them.
I don't know complex numbers good, i will try to learn. the same for induction

What is ##cosh(x) + sinh(x)##? Maybe it's something quite simple?
 
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$$\cosh(x)+\sinh(x)=2e^x~~\rightarrow~~(\cosh(x)+\sinh(x))^n=(2e^x)^n=2^ne^{nx}=2^{n-1}(\cosh(nx)+\sinh(nx))$$
The prefix ##2^{n-1}## is redundant
 
$$\cosh(x)+\sinh(x)=e^x$$
 
$$\cosh(x)+\sinh(x)=\frac{1}{2}(e^x+e^{-x})+\frac{1}{2}(e^x-e^{-x})=e^x$$
Thank you PeroK and mfb
 
Karol said:
The prefix ##2^{n−1}## is redundant

not redundant, simply there isn't ...
 

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