Solve the equation 2(Sinhx)^2 -5Coshx=5, giving your answer in terms of natural logarithm in simplest form

It doesn't hurt to write down the equation again, so let's do so. Equation: 2(Sinhx)2 - 5Coshx = 5 . Hmm, we don't really like to do maths with two different trig functions, why don't we see if we can recall a trig identity to help us. What about (Sinhx)2= (Coshx)2- 1? Well, plugging it in gives you 2(Coshx)2 - 5Coshx - 7 = 0. Aha! A quadratic in Coshx! We can see this clearly using c = Coshx and it helps simplify our working out a bit (we get 2c2 - 5c -7 = 0) . Quadratics are easier to solve than trig equations, we just need to use the quadratic formula. This gives c = [5 (+-) sqrt(52 - 4*2(-7))]/4 , c = 7/2, -1, but wait c cannot equal to -1? How do we know this? Well try sketching a graph of Coshx (Remember: Coshx =1/2 (ex +e-x). Now it's just a simple matter of using the arcosh formula, arcoshx = ln(x(+-)sqrt(x2-1)). So we have x = ln(7/2 (+-) 3(sqrt5)/2), not the prettiest answer, but they rarely are!

Answered by Further Mathematics tutor

2844 Views

See similar Further Mathematics A Level tutors

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A curve has polar equation r = 1 + cos THETA for 0 <= THETA <= 2Pi. Find the area of the region enclosed by the curve


Given that z = a + bj, find Re(z/z*) and Im(z/z*).


Give the general solution to (d2y/dx2) - 2dy/dx -3y = 2sinx


How do i figure out if integrals are improper or not and how do i know which limit is undefined?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning