Proving the Identity for cosh Using Exponential Function Properties

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In summary: This will give you a function which is negative everywhere except at the origin (where it will be positive), and which satisfies the following equation: ##e^x = 1##.
  • #1
aaaa202
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Show that cosh(x) = 1 => x = 0

I am only allowed to use the definition of cosh, the algebraic rules for the exponential function, that exp(x2)>exp(x1) for x2 > x1, and the fact that we have defined it with the requirement:

exp(x) ≥ 1 + x

The exp(x) term of course is not trouble.

What I lack prooving is that:
exp(x) > 1 - x

Any ideas how I might approach it? I don't need answers, just hints
 
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  • #2
If x > 0, then 2x > 0 so 1 + x > 1 + x - 2x.

If x < 0, then it's not true (exp goes to 0 while 1 - x goes to infinity for [itex]x \to -\infty[/itex]).
 
  • #3
oh sorry I can see I made a fatal error.
I meant i need to show:
exp(-x) > 1 - x
 
  • #4
aaaa202 said:
oh sorry I can see I made a fatal error.
I meant i need to show:
exp(-x) > 1 - x
A quick sketch of the graphs of y = e-x and y = 1 - x shows that e-x ≥ 1 - x for all real x, and that we get equality at only one value of x.

Assuming you can use techniques of calculus, let f(x) = e-x - (1 - x), and find the minimum value and where it occurs.
 
  • #5
I know calculus but this is an analysis course, where it has not yet been introduced. Thus I am to find another way of proving it.
 
  • #6
aaaa202 said:
I know calculus but this is an analysis course, where it has not yet been introduced.
Really? Are you saying that you haven't learned differentiation, and you're in an analysis course?
aaaa202 said:
Thus I am to find another way of proving it.
 
  • #7
I'm talking a rigorous analysis course where everything is built up slowly. So far we have covered continuity and the properties of limits. I know differential calculus, but I am not allowed to use it for this handout.
 
  • #8
If you know that ##e^x \ge 1+x## for all ##x##, you can plug anything you want in for ##x##. In particular, you can plug in ##-x##.
 

FAQ: Proving the Identity for cosh Using Exponential Function Properties

What is the identity for cosh?

The identity for cosh is cosh(x) = (e^x + e^-x)/2.

How do you prove the identity for cosh using exponential function properties?

To prove the identity for cosh, we use the properties of exponential functions. We start with the definition of cosh(x), which is (e^x + e^-x)/2. Then, we use the properties of exponents to simplify the expression until we arrive at the final form of cosh(x) = (e^x + e^-x)/2.

Why is it important to prove the identity for cosh?

Proving the identity for cosh is important because it allows us to understand the behavior of the hyperbolic cosine function and its relationship to exponential functions. It also helps us to solve more complex mathematical problems involving cosh.

Can the identity for cosh be used to derive other identities?

Yes, the identity for cosh can be used to derive other identities. For example, we can use it to derive the double angle identity for cosh, which is cosh(2x) = cosh^2(x) + sinh^2(x).

Are there any real-world applications of the identity for cosh?

Yes, the identity for cosh has various real-world applications. It is used in physics, engineering, and other fields to model and solve problems involving exponential growth or decay. It is also used in financial calculations, such as compound interest and population growth.

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