Approximation of a hyperbolic function

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around approximating the hyperbolic function ##\frac{cosh x}{sinh x}-1##. Participants are exploring methods to analyze this function, particularly as ##x## approaches infinity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to use limits to demonstrate the approximation but expresses uncertainty about the validity of their approach. They also consider using the behavior of the function at infinity.
  • Some participants suggest utilizing Taylor series and inequalities as potential methods for approximation.
  • One participant points out an error in the original poster's denominator, prompting further examination of the expression.
  • Another participant proposes a method of rewriting the function to facilitate simplification and approximation.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various approaches being explored. Some participants have offered guidance on rewriting the expression and considering limits, while others are questioning the original setup and assumptions. There is no explicit consensus yet on a single method or solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the extent of direct assistance provided. There are indications of confusion regarding the manipulation of the function and the application of limits.

Taylor_1989
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Homework Statement


Hy guys I am having an issue with approximating this first question, which I have shown below.

upload_2017-5-5_17-11-10.png


Now my problem is not so much solving it but I have been thinking that if given the same question without knowing that it approximates to so for example the question I am thinking of is: approximate the function: ##\frac{cosh x}{sinh x}-1##.

Homework Equations


##\frac{e^x+e^{-x}}{2}##
##\frac{e^x-e^{-x}}{2}##

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
So alls I have at the moment is ## \lim_{x\to\infty}\frac{2e^{-2x}}{1-2e^{-2x}}##
and this is where I get stuck how would I use limits to show the it approximates to what they have given. I was thinking of just taking the limit of the bottom line, and this would give the ans but I am not 100% sure that you can actually do that, another way I was thinking is showing what the end of the function dose, but then I would have to dived through and I am not sure that the function can be divided. Could someone please give me some advice much appreciated.
 
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I think you probably use @Taylor_1989 series and inequalities.
 
Taylor_1989 said:

Homework Statement


Hy guys I am having an issue with approximating this first question, which I have shown below.

View attachment 198780

Now my problem is not so much solving it but I have been thinking that if given the same question without knowing that it approximates to so for example the question I am thinking of is: approximate the function: ##\frac{cosh x}{sinh x}-1##.

Homework Equations


##\frac{e^x+e^-x}{2}##
##\frac{e^x-e^-x}{2}##

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
So alls I have at the moment is ## \lim_{x\to\infty}\frac{2e^{-2x}}{1-2e^{-2x}}##
and this is where I get stuck how would I use limits to show the it approximates to what they have given. I was thinking of just taking the limit of the bottom line, and this would give the ans but I am not 100% sure that you can actually do that, another way I was thinking is showing what the end of the function dose, but then I would have to dived through and I am not sure that the function can be divided. Could someone please give me some advice much appreciated.
There's an error in the denominator of

##\displaystyle\frac{2e^{-2x}}{1-2e^{-2x}}##
 
So we have 2*cosh(x) = [e^x + e^-x] and 2*sinh(x) = [e^x - e^-x]. You would agree that cosh(x) / sinh(x) is equal to (2*cosh) / (2*sinh). Now replace the 1 with (2*sinh) / (2*sinh), so you now have : [e^x + e^-x - (e^x - e^-x)] / [e^x - e^-x]. With a little rearranging, you may be able to simplify it.
 
scottdave said:
So we have 2*cosh(x) = [e^x + e^-x] and 2*sinh(x) = [e^x - e^-x]. You would agree that cosh(x) / sinh(x) is equal to (2*cosh) / (2*sinh). Now replace the 1 with (2*sinh) / (2*sinh), so you now have : [e^x + e^-x - (e^x - e^-x)] / [e^x - e^-x]. With a little rearranging, you may be able to simplify it.

Or actually with what you have, the denominator of 1 - 2*e^(-2x) approaches 1 as x gets large. So you can say it is equal to 2*e^(-2x) in the numerator, and approximately 1 in the denominator, so it approaches 2*e^(-2x)
 

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