What Is the Correct Derivative of Log(cosh(x-1))?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the derivative of the function f(x) = Log(cosh(x-1)). Participants are examining the correctness of their derivative calculations and comparing them to a marking scheme that suggests a different answer.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to derive f'(x) using the chain rule and questioning the accuracy of their results compared to the marking scheme. There is a focus on clarifying the function's argument and the implications of parentheses in their calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have identified potential errors in the original function's setup and the interpretation of the derivative. There is ongoing exploration of how these errors affect the derivative and the validity of the marking scheme's answer.

Contextual Notes

Participants note confusion regarding the function's argument, specifically whether it is Log(cosh(x)-1) or Log(cosh(x-1)). There is an acknowledgment of the impact of parentheses on the derivative calculation.

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Homework Statement


f(x) = Log(cosh(x-1)), find f'(x).

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


f'(x) = [1/cosh(x) - 1] * d/dx [cosh(x) - 1], => f'(x) = sinh(x) / [cosh(x) - 1]

Although, my marking scheme says the answer should instead be; cosh(x) + 1 / sinh(x).

Can someone explain where I'm going wrong? Thanks.
 
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Ryansf98 said:

Homework Statement


f(x) = Log(cosh(x-1)), find f'(x).

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


f'(x) = [1/cosh(x) - 1] * d/dx [cosh(x) - 1], => f'(x) = sinh(x) / [cosh(x) - 1]

Although, my marking scheme says the answer should instead be; cosh(x) + 1 / sinh(x).

Can someone explain where I'm going wrong? Thanks.
Check the function f(x) in the problem. Is it really ##f(x)=\log(\cosh(x-1))##?
 
ehild said:
Check the function f(x) in the problem. Is it really ##f(x)=\log(\cosh(x-1))##?

Screenshot (56).png


Question 16. Definitely yeah.
 
Ryansf98 said:
View attachment 198135

Question 16. Definitely yeah.
log(cosh(x)-1) is not the same as log(cosh(x-1)). The argument of cosh is x in the original problem, you wrote(x-1).
You made errors with the parentheses in the solution. Somehow you wrote the correct derivative, but the marking scheme is not correct.
 
ehild said:
log(cosh(x)-1) is not the same as log(cosh(x-1)). The argument of cosh is x in the original problem, you wrote(x-1).
You made errors with the parentheses in the solution. Somehow you wrote the correct derivative, but the marking scheme is not correct.

Ah apologies, I tend to overuse brackets & at times make mistakes as a result. I'm working from a University past paper so I assumed the marking scheme to be correct no matter what as it's a paper from 2014.

So in either circumstances with the parenthesis, there is no way that function could have a derivative equal to the marking schemes answer?
 
The derivative of f(x)=log(cosh(x)-1) is ##\frac{sinh(x)}{\cosh(x)-1}## as you wrote, and that is not among the given answers.
 
Ryansf98 said:
f'(x) = [1/cosh(x) - 1] * d/dx [cosh(x) - 1], => f'(x) = sinh(x) / [cosh(x) - 1]

Ryansf98 said:
Ah apologies, I tend to overuse brackets & at times make mistakes as a result.
Overuse is not the problem here -- [1/cosh(x) - 1] -- in the righthand side of the first equation above.
What you wrote means ##\frac 1 {\cosh(x)} - 1##, which I'm sure isn't what you intended.

When you write a fraction where either the numerator or the denominator contains multiple terms, you have to surround that part with parentheses or other enclosing symbols.
 

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