Prove the given hyperbolic trigonometry equation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving the hyperbolic trigonometric identity involving the equation ##\cosh x - 1 = 2 \sinh^2 \left(\dfrac{x}{2}\right)##. Participants explore various approaches, including the use of the identity ##\cosh 2x = 2 \cosh^2 x - 1## and the expansion of the square of the hyperbolic sine function. The consensus is that starting from the identity ##\cosh 2x - 1 = 2 \sinh^2 x## provides a more straightforward path to the solution. Additionally, the discussion highlights the importance of clarity in notation and the need to avoid assumptions in the proof process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of hyperbolic functions, specifically ##\cosh## and ##\sinh##.
  • Familiarity with exponential notation and identities.
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills, particularly with squares and identities.
  • Knowledge of trigonometric identities and their hyperbolic counterparts.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of hyperbolic identities, focusing on ##\cosh 2x## and ##\sinh^2 \left(\dfrac{x}{2}\right)##.
  • Learn about the properties and applications of hyperbolic functions in calculus.
  • Explore proofs involving hyperbolic identities to strengthen understanding of their relationships.
  • Investigate common pitfalls in algebraic manipulation of hyperbolic functions.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physics students, and anyone interested in advanced algebra and hyperbolic trigonometry will benefit from this discussion, particularly those looking to deepen their understanding of hyperbolic identities and their proofs.

chwala
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Homework Statement
See attached.
Relevant Equations
trigonometry- Further Maths
1715772024268.png


I have,

Using ##\ cosh 2x = 2 \cosh^2 x - 1##

##\cosh x = 2 \cosh^2\dfrac{x}{2} -1##

Therefore,

##\cosh x -1 = 2 \cosh^2\dfrac{x}{2} -1 - 1##

##\cosh x -1 = 2 \cosh^2\dfrac{x}{2} -2##

##=2\left[ \cosh^2 \dfrac{x}{2} -1 \right]##

##= 2\left[\left(\dfrac{(e^\frac{x}{2} + e^\frac{-x}{2})}{2}\right)^2-1\right] ##

##= 2\left[\dfrac{(e^\frac{x}{2} + e^\frac{-x}{2})^2}{4}-1\right] ##

##= 2\left[\dfrac{(e^\frac{x}{2} + e^\frac{-x}{2})^2-4}{4}\right] ##

##= 2\left[\dfrac{(e^\frac{x}{2} + e^\frac{-x}{2})^2-4}{4}\right] ##

##= \dfrac{1}{2}\left[ e^x +e^{-x}-2 \right]##

##= \dfrac{1}{2}\left[ e^{0.5x}e^{0.5x} +e^{-0.5x}e^{-0.5x}-e^{0.5x}e^{-0.5x}-e^{0.5x}e^{-0.5x} \right]##


##= \dfrac{1}{2}\left[ e^{0.5x}(e^{0.5x}- e^{-0.5x})+ e^{-0.5x}(e^{-0.5x}-e^{0.5x}) \right]##

##= \dfrac{1}{2}\left[ e^{0.5x}(e^{0.5x}- e^{-0.5x})- e^{-0.5x}(e^{0.5x}-e^{-0.5x}) \right]##

##= \dfrac{1}{2}\left[ e^{0.5x}-e^{-0.5x}\right]^2##


I know that there could be a better straightforward approach...your insight is welcome.
 
Last edited:
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Typos in your exponents. Right now you have zero at the very end. Explain the 5th equality from the bottom.
 
nuuskur said:
Typos in your exponents. Right now you have zero at the very end. Explain the 5th equality from the bottom.
I'll amend the last line...the other steps are straightforward.
 
chwala said:
Homework Statement: See attached.
Relevant Equations: trigonometry- Further Maths

View attachment 345288

I have,

Using ##\ cosh 2x = 2 \cosh^2 x - 1##

You need to end up with \sinh^2 \frac x2, so start from \cosh 2x - 1 = 2\sinh^2 x. But using these identities comes very close to assuming exactly what the question is asking you to show.

In any event, the simplest approach is the straight forward \begin{split}<br /> (e^{x/2} - e^{-x/2})^2 &amp;= (e^{x/2})^2 - 2(e^{x/2})(e^{-x/2}) + (e^{-x/2})^2 \\<br /> &amp;= e^{x} - 2 + e^{-x} \\<br /> &amp;= 2\cosh x - 2.\end{split}
 
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pasmith said:
You need to end up with \sinh^2 \frac x2, so start from \cosh 2x - 1 = 2\sinh^2 x. But using these identities comes very close to assuming exactly what the question is asking you to show.

In any event, the simplest approach is the straight forward \begin{split}<br /> (e^{x/2} - e^{-x/2})^2 &amp;= (e^{x/2})^2 - 2(e^{x/2})(e^{-x/2}) + (e^{-x/2})^2 \\<br /> &amp;= e^{x} - 2 + e^{-x} \\<br /> &amp;= 2\cosh x - 2.\end{split}
Yeah using ##\sinh^2 \dfrac{x}{2}## is easier...and the appropriate approach...has only 2 lines...will post that later...

Using,

##\cosh x = 2\left(1 + \sinh^2 \left( \dfrac{x}{2}\right) \right)-1##

##\cosh x = 2+2 \sinh^2 \left(\dfrac{x}{2}\right) -1= 2 \sinh^2 \left(\dfrac{x}{2} \right)+1##

Therefore

##\cosh x - 1 = 2 \sinh^2 \left(\dfrac{x}{2}\right)##

##\cosh x - 1 = 2\left[\dfrac{(e^{0.5x} - e^{-0.5x})}{2}\right]^2 = \left[\dfrac{(e^{0.5x} - e^{-0.5x})^2}{2}\right]##
 
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