What is a Hyperbolic Trigonometric Function and How is it Derived?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around hyperbolic trigonometric functions, specifically focusing on their definitions, differences from regular trigonometric functions, and the derivation of the hyperbolic sine function, represented as \(\sinh x = \frac{e^x - e^{-x}}{2}\). Participants explore both theoretical and conceptual aspects of hyperbolic functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the definition of hyperbolic trigonometric functions and how they differ from regular trigonometric functions.
  • Several participants express difficulty in finding satisfactory explanations or derivations for the formula \(\sinh x = \frac{e^x - e^{-x}}{2}\) in available resources.
  • One participant questions the definition of \(\sinh\) being used, suggesting that the formula is typically accepted as the definition without further justification.
  • Another participant provides a connection between hyperbolic and circular functions, discussing the exponential function and its even and odd parts, leading to the definitions of \(\cosh\) and \(\sinh\).
  • One participant explains the geometric interpretation of hyperbolic functions, noting their relationship to the unit hyperbola, contrasting it with the unit circle for regular trigonometric functions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the derivation of the hyperbolic sine function, with some expressing confusion and others providing differing perspectives on definitions and interpretations.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference external resources for definitions and identities of hyperbolic functions but note that these do not adequately address the derivation of \(\sinh x\). There is also a lack of clarity regarding the assumptions underlying the definitions being discussed.

basty
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Could someone tell me what is a hyperbolic trigonometric function?

What is the difference between regular trigonometry and a hyperbolic trigonometry?

Also, why and how to derive and get

##\sinh x = \frac{e^x - e^{-x}}{2}##

?
 
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basty said:
Could someone tell me what is a hyperbolic trigonometric function?
Try a web search, using "hyperbolic trigonometric function" as your search string. You should be able to find answers to all of your questions.
basty said:
What is the difference between regular trigonometry and a hyperbolic trigonometry?

Also, why and how to derive and get

##\sinh x = \frac{e^x - e^{-x}}{2}##

?
 
I wasn't able to find over the internet and in my calculus book of why

##\sinh x = \frac{e^x - e^{-x}}{2}##

Please someone help me.
 
What definition of sinh are you using? I'm asking because that's usually taken to be the definition, so unless you're using an alternative one, there are not really any more "whys" involved.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
robphy said:
From googling "hyperbolic trigonometry", the third link gave
http://www.sosmath.com/trig/hyper/hyper01/hyper01.html
the fourth gave a Khan academy video
https://www.khanacademy.org/math/precalculus/hyperbolic_trig_topic [probably okay... but I haven't watched it]

All above links shows the identities of hyperbolic functions, not shows why ##\sinh x = \frac{e^x - e^{-x}}{2}.##
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Do you know the analogous definition of \sin x=\frac{e^x-e^{-x}}{2i}?

The starting point for these is the exponential function e^x.
In the hyperbolic case, x is real.
In the circular case, x is pure-imaginary x=i\theta.

Write the exponential function as the sum of its "even part" and its "odd part"
C(x)=\frac{1}{2}\left(e^{x}+e^{-x}\right)
S(x)=\frac{1}{2}\left(e^{x}-e^{-x}\right)
so e^{x}=C(x)+S(x)
In the hyperbolic case, these are cosh and sinh.
e^{x}=\cosh{x}+\sinh{x}

In the circular case, where x=i\theta,
we have
C(i\theta)=\frac{1}{2}\left(e^{i\theta}+e^{-i\theta}\right)
S(i\theta)=\frac{1}{2}\left(e^{i\theta}-e^{-i\theta}\right)
It turns out that ##C(i\theta)## is a real-valued function of ##\theta##, called ##\cos(\theta)##.
However, ##S(i\theta)## is a pure-imaginary function of ##\theta##. By defining the real-valued function of ##\theta## called ##\sin\theta\equiv \frac{S(i\theta)}{i}=\frac{1}{2i}\left(e^{i\theta}-e^{-i\theta}\right)##,
we can write
e^{\theta}=\cos{\theta}+i\sin{\theta}
 
Last edited:
The regular trig functions are also called "circular functions" because if you let x= cos(t) and y= sin(t), x^2+ y^2= cos^2(t)+ sin^2(t)= 1. That is, they give the x and y components of a point on the unit circle.

The name for "hyperbolic functions" comes from the fact that cosh^2(t)- sinh^2(t)= \frac{\left(e^{x}+ e^{-x}\right)^2}{4}- \frac{\left(e^{x}- e^{-x}\right)^2}{4}= \frac{e^{2x}+ 2+ e^{-2x}- e^{2x}+ 2- e^{-2x}}{4}= 1 so that setting x= cosh(t), y= sinh(t), x^2- y^2= 1. They give the x and y components of a point on the unit hyperbola.
 

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