Derivative of inverse hyperbolic trigonometric functions

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the derivative of the inverse hyperbolic sine function, sinh-1(x), and its relationship to the natural logarithm function, ln(x + sqrt(1+x2)). Participants explore methods for deriving these functions, particularly focusing on the implications of using inverse functions and the connections between hyperbolic and trigonometric identities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive the derivative of sinh-1(x) without relying on its logarithmic form, questioning the necessity of an alternative method. Some participants suggest using implicit differentiation as a standard approach for finding derivatives of inverse functions. Others discuss the relationship between hyperbolic functions and their derivatives, raising questions about the application of trigonometric identities to hyperbolic functions.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing different methods for deriving the derivative of sinh-1(x). Some guidance has been offered regarding implicit differentiation and the relationship between hyperbolic functions, but there is no explicit consensus on the best approach. The conversation reflects a mix of understanding and confusion regarding the application of these concepts.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a potential misunderstanding regarding the use of trigonometric versus hyperbolic identities, as well as the original poster's background in hyperbolic trigonometry. The discussion highlights the challenge of connecting these concepts without prior exposure.

Office_Shredder
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
Messages
5,706
Reaction score
1,592
I'm working on a pre-freshman year math packet for college, and at one point it asks for the derivative of sinh-1(x), followed up by the derivative of ln( x + sqrt(1+x2) ). In high school, we never really covered hyperbolic trigonometry, but I have previously derived that the inverse of sinh is ln( x + sqrt(1+x2) ), and used that fact to solve for the derivative of sinh-1' (by taking the derivative of the ln term)

The trouble I'm having is that it seems obvious that you weren't supposed use the ln term to solve for the derivative, otherwise they wouldn't have posed both questions next to each other. So my guess is that there's some alternative method through which you can solve for this that I may need to know for the school year. If anyone has any ideas, that would be great.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The usual way to find the derivative of inverse functions is to use implicit differentiation. For example, for sin-1 x, we have:

[tex]y= \sin^{-1} x[/tex]

[tex]\sin y =x[/tex]

[tex]\cos y \frac{dy}{dx} = 1[/tex]

[tex]\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{1}{\cos y}[/tex]

You can get up to this point for any inverse function, but the tricky part is now to solve for the RHS in terms of x. In this case, as well as in yours, it isn't too hard, and you can write:

[tex]\frac{1}{\cos y}=\frac{1}{\sqrt{1- \sin^2 y}} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{1- x^2}}[/tex]

And so:

[tex]\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{d}{dx} (\sin^{-1} x) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{1- x^2}}[/tex]
 
there is an error in the calculations of SatusX.

The basic relation with hyperbolic function is
cosh^2 x - sinh^2 x = 1.

Now if
y = sinh-1 x
than
x = sinh y
dx/dy = coshy
but cosh^2 y = 1+sinh^2y =1+x^2.
so
dy/dx =1/sqrt(1+x^2)
where sqrt means square root.
bye
 
There is no error. StatusX used sin x instead of sinh x as an example.
 
I'm retarded. I know how to do it like that (essentially, it looks a little different), it's just that I used a right triangle relationship between cosine and sin, and couldn't figure out the relationship between sinh and cosh (maybe if I draw a curved triangle... :smile: ). Anyways, I can't believe I didn't think of cosh^2 x - sinh^2 x = 1
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
1K