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Describe the hyperbolic cosine function

The hyperbolic cosine function is a mathematical function that is closely associated with exponential growth.

The hyperbolic cosine function, denoted as cosh(x)\cosh(x), is defined by the formula:

cosh(x)=ex+ex2\cosh(x) = \frac{e^x + e^{-x}}{2}

This function is classified as an even function, which means it satisfies the property cosh(x)=cosh(x)\cosh(-x) = \cosh(x). The range of cosh(x)\cosh(x) consists of all positive real numbers.

The graph of cosh(x)\cosh(x) is a smooth, U-shaped curve. As xx approaches infinity, the value of cosh(x)\cosh(x) also approaches infinity. Conversely, as xx approaches 0, cosh(x)\cosh(x) approaches 1. This function is frequently utilized in mathematical modeling to depict scenarios involving exponential growth, such as population dynamics or the spread of diseases.

The derivative of cosh(x)\cosh(x) is the hyperbolic sine function, denoted as sinh(x)\sinh(x). The hyperbolic sine function is defined by the expression:

sinh(x)=exex2\sinh(x) = \frac{e^x - e^{-x}}{2}

Using the chain rule, we can compute the derivative of cosh(x)\cosh(x) as follows:

ddxcosh(x)=ddx(ex+ex2)=exex2=sinh(x)\frac{d}{dx} \cosh(x) = \frac{d}{dx} \left( \frac{e^x + e^{-x}}{2} \right) = \frac{e^x - e^{-x}}{2} = \sinh(x)

The inverse hyperbolic cosine function, denoted as cosh1(x)\cosh^{-1}(x), serves as the inverse of cosh(x)\cosh(x) and is defined by the formula:

cosh1(x)=ln(x+x21)\cosh^{-1}(x) = \ln\left(x + \sqrt{x^2 - 1}\right)

The domain of cosh1(x)\cosh^{-1}(x) includes all real numbers greater than or equal to 11, while its range encompasses all real numbers.

In summary, the hyperbolic cosine function is a valuable tool in mathematical modeling and finds numerous applications across various fields of science and engineering.

Answered by: Dr. Daniel Thompson
A-Level Maths Tutor
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