Hyperbolic Functions_Defining Sech^-1 x

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The discussion focuses on defining the inverse hyperbolic secant function, sech^-1 x, in terms of the exponential function, ex. Participants explore the relationship between sech and its inverse, emphasizing that sech(sech^-1 x) = x, which is a fundamental property of inverse functions. There is confusion regarding the correct mathematical representation and calculations needed to express the inverse function accurately. One participant suggests expressing x as sech y to derive the definition for sech^-1 x, indicating that solving for y may involve using the quadratic equation. The conversation highlights the need for clarity in understanding inverse functions and their definitions.
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I have a problem that deals with the inverse sech function. sech-1 x

Trouble is I don't know how to define this in terms of ex

Such as:

definitionsech.png


How would I represent the function sech^-1 x, by definition?
 

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By the property that it's the inverse of sech of x, of course, at least where sech x is bijective.

So

\sech \left(\sech^{-1} x\right) = x
 
bigubau said:
\sech \left(\sech^{-1} x\right) = x

Sorry, I'm not quite sure what you've written here...

Perhaps it's the definition of inverse, that I'm not 'seeing'...

Say, for x/y, the inverse would be xy?

For, x+y/z, the inverse would be (z(y-x))...? Exactly which calculations do you 'invert', all of them?

I'm going to look more into this, @:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inverse_function
 
Last edited:
The tex code didn't parse correctly, or I haven't written the right code for the sech function.

So the approach to find the inverse of y=f(x) is to express x=g(y). Can you do that ?
 
I know how to do that for a simple function like y=(x+2)/3, but I'm not sure with this one, how to go about it... here's an attempt, any insights would be nice. ;)
math.jpg


I thik that once I have a definition for sech-1 x, that I can move forward on my own...
 
make x = sech y; hence: y = sech-1 x

Define sech in terms of ey, then solve for y.

No u-substitution necessary, but the quadratic equation comes into play.

Thanks for your help, bigubau.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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