Derivative of y=ln(cosh(2x^3)): Calc 2 Help Needed

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding the derivative of the function y=ln(cosh(2x^3)), which falls under the subject area of calculus, specifically derivatives and hyperbolic functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the chain rule and the simplification of the function using substitutions. There are questions about the correctness of initial assumptions regarding the derivative and the interpretation of hyperbolic functions.

Discussion Status

Some participants have attempted to apply the chain rule and have shared their results, but there appears to be confusion regarding the expected outcome. Hints and alternative expressions for hyperbolic functions have been provided, indicating a collaborative effort to clarify the problem.

Contextual Notes

One participant notes a lack of prior exposure to hyperbolic functions in earlier calculus courses, which may be contributing to the difficulty in understanding the problem.

goaliejoe35
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Homework Statement

Find the derivative of [tex]y=ln(cosh(2x^3))[/tex]

The attempt at a solution

is this the same as saying (1/(cosh(2x^3)) ?

The correct answer is 6x^2 - ((12x^2)/(e^4x^3 + 1))... how do you derive this?

I am really stuck on this question I didn't learn about hyperbolic functions in Calc 1 and now my Calc 2 teacher expects me to know it. Any help is greatly appreciated!
 
Last edited:
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[tex]y=ln(cosh(2x^3))[/tex]

Let [itex]t=2x^3[/itex]

So what you now have is y=ln(cosh(t))

and let u=cosh(t)

and it simplifies to y=ln(u)

Now using your chain rule:

[tex]\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{dy}{du} \times \frac{du}{dt} \times \frac{dt}{dx}[/tex]
 
goaliejoe35 said:
is this the same as saying (1/(cosh(2x^3)) ?

No! Use the chain rule and note that

[tex]\cosh(x) = \frac{e^x +e^{-x}}{2}[/tex]

edit: rockfreak was faster.
 
Ok I did all that but I still get a wacky answer...

I got ((-3x^2 tanh(2x^3))/2)

I don't understand how they get the answer 6x^2-((12x^2)/(e^(4x^3)+1))
 
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goaliejoe35 said:
Ok I did all that but I still get a wacky answer...

I got ((-3x^2 tanh(2x^3))/2)

I don't understand how they get the answer 6x^2-((12x^2)/(e^(4x^3)+1))

Hi goaliejoe35! :smile:

Hint: tanhx = sinhx/coshx

[tex]= \frac{e^x\,-\,e^{-x}}{e^x\,+\,e^{-x}}[/tex]

[tex]= \frac{e^{2x}\,-\,1}{e^{2x}\,+\,1}[/tex] :smile:
 
goaliejoe35 said:
Ok I did all that but I still get a wacky answer...

I got ((-3x^2 tanh(2x^3))/2)

I don't understand how they get the answer 6x^2-((12x^2)/(e^(4x^3)+1))

I got (6x^2)(tanh(2x^3)) instead.

anyway, that goes to: (6x^2) * ((e^(4x^3)-1)/(e^(4x^3)+1)).
multiply (6x^2) by the numerator of the 2nd term. u should get: ((6x^2)(e^4x^3) - (6x^2))/(e^(4x^3)+1).
If you separate the numerator into: (6x^2)(e^4x^3) + (6x^2) - (12x^2) ------> (6x^2)((e^4x^3) + 1) - (12x^2), (this is the numerator only), you should be able to get correct answer you posted.
 

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