Complex Hyperbolic Derivative Problem

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion revolves around a complex hyperbolic derivative problem involving the functions sech and tanh. The user presents their attempted solution, which includes a critical evaluation of their logic and the transformations applied to the expressions. Key points include the identification of an incorrect operation where a difference is incorrectly transformed into a product and then a sum. The correct final answer is confirmed to be \frac{1}{2}sech^2(x/2)\left(\frac{1}{2}- tanh^2(\frac{x}{2})\right).

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  • Understanding of hyperbolic functions, specifically sech and tanh.
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Liquid7800
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Homework Statement



Hello,
Thanks for taking some time to help me out...and I have to apologize for posting a graphic of my logic and attempted answer instead of using LateX (It would take me a very long time just to get this problem viewable)

Please help me check my work and logic here...(see attached graphic) I don't know of any place I can see if my answer is correct (Not a book problem)

The problem itself is stated in the first box drawn (see below)...


Homework Equations


None


The Attempt at a Solution



My logic (with comments throughout) and the last red box drawn is my attempt at a solution..(see the graphic below)
I hope this is sort of easy to follow ...and I appreciate any help.
Thank you...

l_144c147752ad415e86cbcb6f370a0fea.jpg


Does this seem right?
 
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No, it doesn't seem right. At one point you have
[tex]\frac{1}{2}\frac{1}{2}sech^2(\frac{x}{2})- \frac{1}{2}tanh(\frac{x}{2})sech(\frac{x}{2})[/tex] and then, in the next two lines, that difference has metamorphised into a product,
[tex]\left(\frac{1}{4}\right)\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)\left(sech^2(\frac{x}{2})\right)\left(-1\right)\left(tanh^2(\frac{x}{2})\right)\left(sech^2(\frac{x}{2})\right)[/tex]
and then in the next line, you have reassembled that difference into a sum!

The first line I mention above,
[tex]\frac{1}{2}\frac{1}{2}sech^2(\frac{x}{2})- \frac{1}{2}tanh(\frac{x}{2})sech(\frac{x}{2})[/tex]
is correct. You can factor (1/2)sech2(x/2) out:
[tex]\frac{1}{2}sech^2(x/2)\left(\frac{1}{2}- tanh^2(\frac{1}{2})\right)[/tex]
but that's about all you can do.
 
@HallOfIvy..

Thanks very much for reviewing my work!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No, it doesn't seem right. At one point you have
[tex]\frac{1}{2}\frac{1}{2}sech^2(\frac{x}{2})- \frac{1}{2}tanh(\frac{x}{2})sech(\frac{x}{2})[/tex]
and then, in the next two lines, that difference has metamorphised into a product,
[tex]\frac{1}{2}\frac{1}{2}sech^2(\frac{x}{2})- \frac{1}{2}tanh(\frac{x}{2})sech(\frac{x}{2})[/tex]
and then in the next line, you have reassembled that difference into a sum!

I was very suspicious of that operation (I thought it might be illegal)...thats why I was hoping an expert such as yourself could give me some insight.

Now I've got two questions:

1) The sbove mentioned operstion is illegal why?
What I was trying to do was turn the difference into a sum by factoring out the negative -1?
In effect turning function-function*function into (function+function)-1*function...
Or is this totally illegal...

2) So the final answer is:
[tex]\frac{1}{2}sech^2(x/2)\left(\frac{1}{2}- tanh^2(\frac{1}{2})\right)[/tex]
or should it be:
[tex]\frac{1}{2}sech^2(x/2)\left(\frac{1}{2}- tanh^2(\frac{x}{2})\right)[/tex]
...and so one of these is then the FINAL answer?
 

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