Tangent to Hyperbolic function graph

In summary, the tangent to the hyperbola ##x^2-y^2=1## at points ##x_1=\cosh (u)## and ##y_1=\sinh(u)## can be expressed as ##y=\frac{\cosh (u)}{\sinh (u)}x+b##, where b is a general expression that should depend on u. When plugging in the values for y and x at the intersection with the y-axis, ##y=\sinh (u)## and ##x=\cosh (u)##, b is not equal to 4.
  • #1
Karol
1,380
22
Moved from a technical forum, so homework template missing
Show that the tangent to ##x^2-y^2=1## at points ##x_1=\cosh (u)## and ##y_1=\sinh(u)## cuts the x-axis at ##{\rm sech(u)}## and the y-axis at ##{\rm -csch(u)}##.
$$2x-2yy'=0~\rightarrow~\frac{x}{y}=y'=\frac{\cosh (u)}{\sinh (u)}=\frac{e^u+e^{-u}}{e^u-e^{-u}}$$
The equation of the tangent is ##y=y'x+b## and it's intersection with the y-axis is at ##y=\sinh (u)##:
$$y=y'x+b~~\rightarrow~~\sinh (u)=\frac{e^u+e^{-u}}{e^u-e^{-u}}(e^u+e^{-u})+b~~\rightarrow~~b=4$$
But b can't be 4 because it is a general expression, it should depend on u
 
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  • #2
Why do you expect the intersection with the y-axis to be at sinh(u)? That's the y-value where the tangent touches the hyperbola, it won't be identical with the y-axis intersection in general.

I don't understand the second part of your calculation at all.
 
  • #3
Karol said:
Show that the tangent to ##x^2-y^2=1## at points ##x_1=\cosh (u)## and ##y_1=\sinh(u)## cuts the x-axis at ##{\rm sech(u)}## and the y-axis at ##{\rm -csch(u)}##.
$$2x-2yy'=0~\rightarrow~\frac{x}{y}=y'=\frac{\cosh (u)}{\sinh (u)}=\frac{e^u+e^{-u}}{e^u-e^{-u}}$$
The equation of the tangent is ##y=y'x+b## and it's intersection with the y-axis is at ##y=\sinh (u)##:
$$y=y'x+b~~\rightarrow~~\sinh (u)=\frac{e^u+e^{-u}}{e^u-e^{-u}}(e^u+e^{-u})+b~~\rightarrow~~b=4$$
But b can't be 4 because it is a general expression, it should depend on u

I don't see the point in going back and forth from exponentials to hyperbolic functions. If you stick to hyperbolic functions, then your equation for the tangent is:

[itex]y = \frac{cosh(u)}{sinh(u)} x + b[/itex]

If you plug [itex]y=sinh(u), x = cosh(u)[/itex] in, what do you get for [itex]b[/itex]? Certainly not [itex]4[/itex].
 

1. What is a hyperbolic function?

A hyperbolic function is a mathematical function that is defined using exponentials and logarithms. It is commonly used in fields such as physics, engineering, and statistics to model curves that are symmetric about the origin.

2. How is a tangent to a hyperbolic function graph calculated?

The tangent to a hyperbolic function graph can be calculated using the derivative of the function at a specific point. This derivative represents the slope of the tangent line at that point.

3. What is the relationship between the tangent and the hyperbolic function graph?

The tangent to a hyperbolic function graph represents the slope of the curve at a specific point. It can also be used to find the rate of change of the function at that point.

4. What is the difference between a tangent and a secant on a hyperbolic function graph?

A tangent is a line that touches the curve at one point, while a secant is a line that intersects the curve at two points. The tangent represents the slope at a specific point, while the secant represents the average rate of change between two points.

5. How are hyperbolic functions used in real-life applications?

Hyperbolic functions are used in various fields, such as physics, engineering, and statistics, to model and analyze real-world phenomena. They can be used to describe curves such as catenary curves, which are found in suspension bridges, or predator-prey population dynamics in biology.

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