Stumped on mathematical proof

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on a mathematical proof from Blundell and Blundell's Chapter 20, specifically Problem 20.3. The participants confirm the identity $$1-e^{-\beta \omega}=2\sinh\left(\frac{\beta \omega}{2}\right)$$ but express confusion regarding the term involving $$\coth$$. A critical error is identified where a factor of $$\beta$$ is missing in the expression $$\frac{\beta \omega}{2}\coth\big (\frac{\beta \omega}{2}\big )$$, leading to the conclusion that the equation $$e^{\beta \omega} + 1 = 2\beta$$ cannot hold for all values of $$\beta$$ and $$\omega$$.

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laser1
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From Blundell and Blundell Chapter 20 Problem 20.3.

I have proved that $$1-e^{-\beta \omega}=2\sinh\left(\frac{\beta \omega}{2}\right)$$ with no problem, but I am stuck on the ##\coth## term. I have tried to solve this but it gets messy and I'd rather not include them here. Thanks!
 
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If that ##\coth## identity holds, then:
$$e^{\beta \omega} + 1 = 2\beta$$
 
PeroK said:
If that ##\coth## identity holds, then:
$$e^{\beta \omega} + 1 = 2\beta$$
Okay, assuming that is true, surely that equation can't be true for all ##\beta## and ##\omega##?
 
laser1 said:
Okay, assuming that is true, surely that equation can't be true for all ##\beta## and ##\omega##?
That is clearly not an identity. Why do you think the textbook is infallible?
 
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PeroK said:
That is clearly not an identity. Why do you think the textbook is infallible?
Alr fair enough. As a mere undergrad, I always assume I am wrong first rather than the textbook! Of course, if I can't reason with the textbook I will ask here/my lecturer.
 
laser1 said:
Alr fair enough. As a mere undergrad, I always assume I am wrong first rather than the textbook! Of course, if I can't reason with the textbook I will ask here/my lecturer.
It's not a question of assumptions. Are ##\beta## and ##\omega## related in that way?
 
PeroK said:
It's not a question of assumptions. Are ##\beta## and ##\omega## related in that way?
I don't think so.
 
laser1 said:
I don't think so.
Perhaps check that first identity!
 
laser1 said:
I have proved that $$1-e^{-\beta \omega}=2\sinh\left(\frac{\beta \omega}{2}\right)$$ with no problem,
That's the mistake!
 
  • #10
PeroK said:
That's the mistake!
WhatsApp Image 2024-10-26 at 10.28.54.jpeg



Edit: oh yeah I see the denominator now yikes
 
  • #12
PeroK said:
It's not a question of assumptions. Are ##\beta## and ##\omega## related in that way?
The expression just looked wrong to me. There is a factor of ##\beta## missing in (20.51). It should be:
$$\frac{\beta \omega}{2}\coth\big (\frac{\beta \omega}{2}\big )$$
 
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  • #13
PeroK said:
The expression just looked wrong to me. There is a factor of ##\beta## missing in (20.51). It should be:
$$\frac{\beta \omega}{2}\coth\big (\frac{\beta \omega}{2}\big )$$
yeah I'm getting the same as you now. As in, I have the book answer, but the book is missing a factor of ##\beta## on the first term
 
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  • #14
I have not done the explicit computation (just visualized how the terms would combine), but apart from the missing ##\beta## the overall identity looks quite reasonable to me.
 

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