1

Exploring Hyperbolic Trigonometric Func5ons

By: Ridh Hashmi
1.1 - Ra'onale
My ini0al exposure to the idea of a hyperbola was when I took twel>h-grade physics over the
summer. During the rela0vity unit, I took to the internet to supplement my knowledge and came
across the idea of “hyperbolic mo0on” occurring in special rela0vity. While the math and
equa0ons in those ar0cles were far past whatever I could dream of understanding, the parts of
the equa0ons that were totally foreign but vaguely reminiscent of the more familiar circular
trigonometric func0ons I was comfortable with had cap0vated me. Ques0ons asking what the
relevance of the “h” at the end of the “and what linked and separated it from “I already worked
with stuck with me. While it is not possible to explore hyperbola in the same context, I was ini0ally
exposed to it (in rela0vis0c physics); I took this opportunity to expand my understanding and
aNempt to gain an understanding of alterna0ve applica0ons of this exci0ng branch of
mathema0cs.

1.2- Inten'ons of this Explora'on

My goal in this explora0on is to understand what hyperbolic func0ons are, their algebraic and
geometrical proper0es, and some real-world applica0ons with them. I want to gain as much
insight as possible into their behavior and uses in the world of mathema0cs.

2.1- Defining the Hyperbola

The hyperbola is a conic sec0on that is formed when a plane intersects a double right circular
cone at an angle such that both halves of the cone are intersected (“Hyperbola - Equa0on,
Proper0es, Examples | Hyperbola Formula”). Parabolas, and ellipses (and circles, which is just a
special case of an ellipse) are conic sec0ons as well. The hyperbola of an intersec0on between a
plane with both cones simultaneously results in two unbounded curves that are mirror images of
each other (the famous hyperbolic shape), as
shown in Figure 1:
Figure 1. A plane intersec2ng a double cone at various
angles to visualize conic sec2on (CK-12 Founda2on).
 2

Understanding the fundamentals of the hyperbola are necessary in this explora0on (although not
!
thoroughly explored). The equa0on 𝑦 = "
defines a hyperbola, we will rearrange this to be 𝑥𝑦 =

1 for convenience. There are asymptotes at 𝑦 = 0 and 𝑥 = 0, illustrated in Figure 2.

However, there is an alternate expression for a hyperbola where the points of inflec0on lie upon
the x-axis, this form is far more useful in our explora0on as many models are done with this form,
at least on the cartesian plane. The following equa0on defines it:
𝑥# − 𝑦# = 𝑛
Where n is some real number. The way this equa0on works is similar to an ellipse, it can be
thought of as an expression that defines a solu0on set of corresponding x and y values that sa0sfy
the value n; the term for this would be a “locus of points” (BYJU’S, “Locus”). This form of
hyperbola when n = 2 is equivalent to 𝑥𝑦 = 1 as proven below:

Let D represent the set of points (x, y) that sa0sfy the equa0on, 𝑥𝑦 = 1. Let Q represent a rota0on
$
of − % radians counterclockwise. We will rotate the set of points, D, through Q denoted by the

following: Q(D). This will result in a new curve, D’, of which, its set of points (a, b) must sa0sfy the
equa0on 𝑎# − 𝑏 # = 2 for our proof to be true (Real Physics).

The mathema0cal term for Q is a matrix. It can be thought of describing a set of parameters for a
“skewed plane” we can apply to our x and y. This will result in a linear transforma0on, (of which
depends on the matrix) and specifically in our case, “rota0ng” the func0on. There are many uses
for matrices in mathema0cs, par0cularly in linear algebra. However, we are only using it for a
singular purpose in this math IA. When we apply x and y through the matrix, we end up ge_ng
terms that represent the points a and b, but are s0ll in terms of x and y. We will s0ll evaluate the
𝑎# − 𝑏 # of to see if it is 2, and if it is, it means the equa0on 𝑎# − 𝑏 # = 2 is in fact describing the
!
same thing as ", just in a different plane.
$
Note: Rota5ng by − % radians was done as the rota5onal matrix used only rotates func5ons in the

counterclockwise way, this is the angle that allows the func5on to rotate through the rota5onal
matrix in a way that allows its points of inflec5on to lay on the x-axis.
 3

$
In the rota0on matrix applied on D, the input of − % is used to rotate by that amount; this matrix

was found on the internet (“Rota0on Matrix”). It takes in some angle 𝜃 to rotate the plane on.
$
− % is set to be the argument of the func0ons:

cos(𝜃 ) −sin(𝜃) 𝑥
/ 5/ 5
sin(𝜃) cos(𝜃) 𝑦
𝜋 𝜋 1 1
cos 7− : −sin 7− : 𝑥 𝑥+ 𝑦
6 4 4 ; / 5 = < √2 √2 ?
𝜋 𝜋 𝑦 1 1
sin 7− : cos 7− : − 𝑥+ 𝑦
4 4 √2 √2
!
We assume the above transforma0on represents points (a, b). We can factor out from all terms:
√#
! !
"' ( ! !
If @ √#
!
√#
! A=B*+ C, 𝑎= (𝑥 + 𝑦) 𝑏= (−𝑥 + 𝑦)
) "' ( √# √#
√# √#

Determining if transformed x and y values sa0sfy the equa0on of 𝑎# − 𝑏 # = 2:

# #
1 1
D (𝑥 + 𝑦)E − D (−𝑥 + 𝑦)E = 2
√2 √2
1 # 1
(𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 # ) − (𝑥 # − 2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 # ) = 2
2 2
2𝑥𝑦 = 2
We know that 𝑥𝑦 = 1, therefore, 2xy does equate to 2, therefore, the proof is valid.

Similar to a unit circle, the unit hyperbola is also a well-documented tool used in mathema0cs.
There would be no transla0ons (so it would be centered around the origin), and there would be
no stretching or compressions. The following is the
equa0on for the unit hyperbola:
𝑥# − 𝑦# = 1
There are asymptotes at 𝑦 = ±𝑥 in this hyperbola,
!
which can be thought of as rotated from those in ". This

unit hyperbola will be used in understanding the

trigonometric func0ons derived from it.
Figure 2. Graphs of 𝑥𝑦 = 1 and 𝑥 ! − 𝑦 ! = 2 (𝑎𝑠 𝑙𝑎𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑)
ploAed on Desmos online graphing calculator.
 4

2.2- Algebraic defini'on of Hyperbolic Trigonometric Sine and Cosine

Hyperbolic sine and cosine are defined in the following way (Lawrence):
𝑒 " − 𝑒 )"
sinh(𝑥) =
2
𝑒 " + 𝑒 )"
cosh(𝑥) =
2
The deriva0on of these formulae is beyond the scope of this explora0on.

2.3- Even and Odd Func'ons

To define an even func0on 𝑓(𝑥), it must be able to take an input of −𝑥 (reflec0on over the y-axis)
and the resul0ng func0on would remain the same (“Decomposing a Func0on Into Its Even and
Odd Parts”).
𝑓(−𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑥)
Meanwhile, an odd func0on is one such that given an input of −𝑥 (reflec0on over the y-axis), it
would take the shape of the func0on −𝑓(𝑥) (the func0on reflected over the x-axis).
𝑓(−𝑥) = −𝑓(𝑥)
Func0ons can be decomposed into what can be thought of as even and odd halves. When some
−𝑥 is inpuNed into these halves, the same proper0es are proven true.
The even half is defined as:
𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑓(−𝑥)
𝑓,-,. (𝑥) =
2
It can be verified by the input of −𝑥:
𝑓(−𝑥) + 𝑓(−(−𝑥))
𝑓,-,. (−𝑥) =
2
𝑓(𝑥) + 𝑓(−𝑥)
𝑓,-,. (−𝑥) =
2
We end up with something equivalent to the same 𝑓,-,. (𝑥) func0on. The odd half is defined as:
𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑓(−𝑥)
𝑓/00 (𝑥) =
2
It can be verified by the input of −𝑥:
𝑓(−𝑥) − 𝑓(−(−𝑥))
𝑓/00 (−𝑥) =
2
 5

−[𝑓(𝑥) − 𝑓(−𝑥)]
𝑓/00 (−𝑥) =
2
An odd func0on 𝑓/00 (𝑥), given the −𝑥 input, ends up flipped over y, following the “odd” property.

2.4- Basic Iden''es with Hyperbolic Sine and Cosine

The hyperbolic sine and cosine are the odd and even parts of the func0on 𝑒 " respec0vely.
, $ ), %$ , $ ', %$
sinh(𝑥) = #
cosh(𝑥) = #
"
We know these func0ons are literally the decomposed halves of 𝑒 , therefore, we can add them
together to get the original func0on back:
𝑒 " = sinh 𝑥 + cosh 𝑥
As sinh 𝑥 is odd and cosh 𝑥 is even, the func0on defined by 𝑒 )" has the following decomposi0on
(using the same defini0ons of even and odd func0ons):
e)1 = sinh(−𝑥) + cosh(− 𝑥)
e)1 = −sinh(𝑥) + cosh( 𝑥)
If we mul0ply 𝑒 " by 𝑒 )" , we get the following iden0ty (Lawrence, “Circular and Hyperbolic Trig
Func0ons Compared”):
e1 e)1 = (sinh(𝑥) + cosh(𝑥))(−sinh(𝑥) + cosh( 𝑥))
𝑒 ")" = cosh# 𝑥 + sinh 𝑥 cosh 𝑥 − sinh 𝑥 cosh 𝑥 − sinh# 𝑥
1 = cosh# 𝑥 − sinh# 𝑥
Firstly, there are several iden00es here that can be created from this expression such as:
cosh# 𝑥 = 1 + sinh# 𝑥 sinh# 𝑥 = −1 + cosh# 𝑥
These are similar to the circular trigonometric iden00es involving sin 𝑥 and cos 𝑥:
cos # 𝑥 = 1 − sin# 𝑥 sin# = 1 − cos # 𝑥
However, the most important thing to note
is that 1 = cosh# 𝑥 − sinh# 𝑥 ul0mately
proves that hyperbolic sine and cosine
func0ons sa0sfy the equa0on for our unit
hyperbola. Imagining the hyperbola as a

Figure 3. Hyperbolic sine and cosine func2ons graphed on Desmos

online graphing calculator, showing “even and odd” shapes.
 6

locus of points, the hyperbolic sine and cosine are simply solu0ons that can compose the locus in
the same way circular trigonometric func0ons do for a circle.

2.5- Hyperbolic Sine and Cosine Deriva'ves and Integrals

𝑒 " has the unique property where it is its own deriva0ve. As hyperbolic sine and cosine are
composed of 𝑒 " terms, finding its deriva0ves are easy.
𝑒 " − 𝑒 )"
sinh(𝑥) =
2
1 1
sinh(𝑥) = 𝑒 " − 𝑒 )"
2 2
When taking the deriva0ve, the first term will remain the same, however, the second term will
have an addi0onal coefficient of -1
d 1 1
sinh(𝑥) = 𝑒 " − (− 𝑒)" )
dx 2 2
d 𝑒 " + 𝑒 )"
sinh(𝑥) =
dx 2
, $ ', %$
Recall the formula for hyperbolic cosine is #
:
d
sinh(𝑥) = cosh(𝑥)
dx
It is evident that the deriva0ve of hyperbolic sine is equal to hyperbolic cosine. This is similar to
2
the rela0on the deriva0ves of circular trigonometric func0ons have as 21
sin(𝑥) = cos (𝑥).
2
However, unlike circular trigonometric func0ons where the 21
cos(𝑥) = −sin (𝑥), hyperbolic

cosine has the following deriva0ve:

𝑒 " + 𝑒 )"
cosh(𝑥) =
2
1 1
cosh(𝑥) = 𝑒 " + 𝑒 )"
2 2
d 1 1
cosh(𝑥) = 𝑒 " + (− 𝑒 )" )
dx 2 2
d 𝑒 − 𝑒 )"
"
cosh(𝑥) =
dx 2
d
cosh (𝑥) = sinh(𝑥)
dx
 7

If the deriva0ves of these func0ons are each other, then the an0deriva0ves to evaluate integrals
would be the same as well (with the needed addi0on of a constant c to the expression). This
property of the func0ons o>en comes up in some cases of differen0al equa0ons. Unfortunately,
these applica0ons are beyond the scope of this explora0on. These proper0es are an important
and unique part of these func0ons and important to acknowledge, nonetheless.

2.6- Other Hyperbolic Trigonometric Func'ons

Hyperbolic tangent is defined the same way circular tangent is (BYJU’S, “Hyperbolic Func0on”):
sinh 𝑥
tanh 𝑥 =
cosh 𝑥
However, we can expand this expression by plugging in the defini0ons of sinh 𝑥 and cosh 𝑥:
𝑒 " − 𝑒 )"
tanh 𝑥 = " 2 )"
𝑒 +𝑒
2
We can factor out 𝑒 )" and simplify as well:
𝑒"
2𝑒 )" (𝑒 )" − 1)
tanh 𝑥 =
𝑒"
2𝑒 )" (𝑒 )" + 1)

𝑒 #" − 1
tanh 𝑥 =
𝑒 #" + 1
The reciprocal iden00es in circular trigonometric func0ons exist in the same
manner in the hyperbolic context as well.
Hyperbolic secant:
! #
sech 𝑥 = 3456 " sech 𝑥 = , $ ', %$

Hyperbolic cosecant:
! #
csch 𝑥 = 5786 " csch 𝑥 = , $ ), %$

Hyperbolic cotangent:
! 3456 " , #$ '!
coth 𝑥 = 9:86 " coth 𝑥 = 5786 "
coth 𝑥 = , #$ )!

Inverse hyperbolic trigonometric func0ons exist as well (Figure 4). They Figure 4. Formulae for inverse
hyperbolic func2ons (“Inverse
func0on the same way as inverse circular trigonometric func0ons. They are Hyperbolic Func2ons”)
 8

denoted by a prefix of “ar-“or “arc-“ for the target value (e.g. Inverse hyperbolic sine is denoted
by arcsinh(𝑥)). They can be thought of as inpu_ng the argument of the result of a hyperbolic
trigonometric func0on, to return the original input.

3.1- Geometrical Analysis of Hyperbolic Func'ons

To begin defining hyperbolic trigonometric func0ons using
the geometry of the hyperbola, we can first reimagine the
way we define circular trigonometric func0ons. Sine and
cosine are presently thought of as the ver0cal and horizontal
components respec0vely of a ray extending from the origin
Figure 5. Unit circle to illustrate the rela2on to a par0cular point on the circle. The points are defined by
between the value of 𝜃 and area of sector
the angle of the ray as it intersects a par0cular point along
the circle’s circumference. Therefore, each point this ray can intersect follows the form of
(cos 𝜃 , sin 𝜃). These ideas can be expanded on to instead consider the area defined by the sector
and connect the behavior of these func0ons to them. We will connect it to hyperbolas and their
func0ons as well.

Consider the area of the sector between the origin, 𝑃! and 𝑃# in the diagram shown in Figure 5.
We can calculate its magnitude in rela0on to 𝜃 in the following way:
𝜃
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 = 2 / 5 𝜋𝑟 #
2𝜋
As 𝑟 = 1 in the unit circle:
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 = 𝜃
It takes the area of two sectors defined by an angle 𝜃 to reach
a value equal to 𝜃. If we define the area of two sectors as
“area”, then using this defini0on, we can model trigonometric
func0ons to take in an input of “area” as shown in Figure 6
Where "a" is the magnitude of area.
Figure 6. Reimagined input of the trigonometric
func2ons as "a" to define sine and cosine by the
"
sector with area of value
!
 9

This allows the defini0on for sin and cosine to be related to the area now (Dr. Trefor BazeN). The
input of the func0on correlates to a sector with area of half the value of the input. The sine and
cosine simply map to this sectors’ ver0cal and horizontal components respec0vely.

This same way of visualizing the input in

trigonometric func0ons applies to hyperbolic
trigonometric func0ons as well.

One can imagine a ray extending from the origin

moving along the hyperbola. As the ray moves
along the hyperbola, each point it intersects with
the hyperbola can be wriNen as (cosh 𝑎, sinh 𝑎)
as we have established hyperbolic sine and
"
Figure 8. Sector with value of area ! rela2ve to the sinh 𝑎
cosine func0ons naturally sa0sfy the equa0on of
and cosh 𝑎 that define its ver2cal and horizontal the hyperbola. The hyperbolic sine and cosine
components respec2vely.
func0ons at any given point will have the said
argument of a, but the area subtended by the ray, hyperbola, and x-axis (as highlighted in red in
*
Figure 7) will have an area of # just like the circular trigonometric func0ons (“What Are Hyperbolic

Trig Func0ons Func0ons Of?”). We

can even prove that the red sector
below is half the value of the
argument 𝑎 using geometry and
integrals:
"
Figure 7. Zooming in the ! sec2on (now “1”) to
see how it composes a right triangle with the
(“2” sec2on) with legs of sinh 𝑎 and cosh 𝑎.

cosh 𝑎 and sinh 𝑎 can be legs for a right triangle as shown in Figure 8. The overall area triangle
ABC can be calculated using the area of a triangle formula:
 10

1
𝐴<=>*.?@, = cosh 𝑎 sinh 𝑎
2
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎! is the area under the ray extending from the origin to the hyperbola, up to the x-axis; we
*
are proving its value will be # in rela0on to the related hyperbolic func0ons (that would map to

the point of intersec0on with the ray based on the locus defini0on). The area can be calculated
from subtrac0ng 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎# from the area of the larger triangle they compose in the following way:
1
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎! = cosh 𝑎 sinh 𝑎 − 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎#
2
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎# can be evaluated by taking the integral of the hyperbolic func0on from 𝑥 = 1 (as it is a
unit hyperbola) to 𝑥 = cosh 𝑎. We can first rearrange the hyperbola equa0on to make it a
func0on:
𝑥# − 𝑦# = 1
𝑦# = 𝑥# − 1

𝑦 = X𝑥 # − 1
We can now integrate this expression through the parameters defined before.
3456 *
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎# = Y X𝑥 # − 1 𝑑𝑥
!

The integral is solved the using Symolabs calculator as the method to solve it is beyond this IA:
1 1
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎# = cosh# 𝑎 tanh 𝑎 − 𝑙𝑛 |cosh 𝑎 tanh 𝑎 + cosh 𝑎|
2 2
5786 *
Simplifying hyperbolic terms using the tanh 𝑎 = 3456 * iden0ty:
1 1
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎# = cosh 𝑎 sinh 𝑎 − 𝑙𝑛|sinh 𝑎 + cosh 𝑎|
2 2
Simplifying hyperbolic terms using the sinh 𝑎 + cosh 𝑎 = 𝑒 * iden0ty:
1 1
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎# = cosh 𝑎 sinh 𝑎 − 𝑙𝑛|𝑒 * |
2 2
Simplifying further:
1 𝑎
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎# = cosh 𝑎 sinh 𝑎 −
2 2
Plugging back into the Equa0on to solve for 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎A :
1
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎A = cosh 𝑎 sinh 𝑎 − 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎B
2
 11

1 1 𝑎
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎! = cosh 𝑎 sinh 𝑎 − cosh 𝑎 sinh 𝑎 −
2 2 2
As this is the magnitude for area, the nega0ve sign is discarded:
𝑎
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎! =
2
Therefore, we can see how the hyperbolic sine and cosine input correspond to an area we can
use to evaluate the func0on. We can also see the connec0on the func0on has between circular
trigonometric func0ons. It is important to note the proper terminology for the argument in
hyperbolic func0ons is the hyperbolic angle, and
it is literally defined as twice the sector we solved
for, with the proper term of “the hyperbolic
sector” (McBride).

4.1- The Hanging Chain Problem and Catenary

Curve
The catenary curve was a very famous problems in
mathema6cs, it is the curve that describes a length of Figure 9. The graph of 𝑦 = 𝑥 ! on Desmos online
graphing calculator, however, any upward opening curve
rope or chain hanging from two fixed ends (hence the with the same singular turning point at x=0 would work
for the purpose of the visualiza2on.
name catenary, meaning “chain” in La6n) (Griva and
Vanderbei). Historically, it was superficially thought to be parabolic, however, it was discovered to be
modelled by a hyperbolic cosine func6on (Griva and Vanderbei). The following is a simplified
deriva6on of this curve using concepts from physics, calculus, and geometry.

We can begin by imagining some curve like the shape of 𝑦 = 𝑥 # ; the actual equa0on of this curve
does not maNer yet, however, it must be upward opening, with its singular turning point on 𝑥 =
0, as pictured on Figure 9 (which is why 𝑥 # was chosen) (Dot Physics).

We can imagine zooming in infinitely to the length of arched chain approaching 𝑥 = 0 from the
right side and create the diagram pictured on Figure 10. As we are zoomed in infinitely, the shape
of the length of rope can be imagined as linear, the forces ac0ng on this length of chain are also
pictured (Dot Physics).
 12

Where 𝑠 represents our

actual length of rope.
𝑇! and 𝑇# denote the
tension forces ac0ng on
the length of rope on
either side. As we are
approaching from the
right side, 𝑇! only has a
Figure 10. Length of rope “s” approaching x=0 from the right on an infinitesimal scale. The
forces of gravity and tension on either side are denoted by red arrows, 𝑇! has its vector component on the x-axis
components present.
(approaching the vertex). W represents the force of gravity ac0ng on the mass of rope, deno0ng
the weight of the rope; this can be expanded to the following:
𝑊 = 𝑚𝑔
Where m is the mass of the rope and g is the gravita0onal constant. In addi0on, the force vectors
of 𝑇# are separated into their x and y components by 𝑇# cos 𝜃 and 𝑇# sin 𝜃 respec0vely.
The rope is in equilibrium; therefore, the forces would nullify each other in the both the x and y
axes. We will only consider the magnitudes of the forces in the following net force statements as
we are using generalized representa0ons of the forces:
𝐹.,< " = 𝑇# cos 𝜃 − 𝑇!
=0
𝐹.,< ( = 𝑇# sin 𝜃 − 𝑚𝑔

=0
We can isolate for terms in terms of 𝑇# :
𝑇# cos 𝜃 = 𝑇!
𝑇# sin 𝜃 = 𝑚𝑔

We can divide these equa0ons in the following way:

T! sin 𝜃 𝑚𝑔
=
𝑇# cos 𝜃 𝑇!
Recall the linear density formula, where m is mass, L is length of a rope, and 𝜆 is the linear mass
density:
 13

𝑚
𝜆=
𝐿
This formula can be rearranged the following way:
𝑚 = 𝜆𝐿
Subs0tu0ng this defini0on for mass in the formula:
T! sin 𝜃 𝜆𝐿𝑔
=
𝑇# cos 𝜃 𝑇!
We can subs0tute s (our segment length) in the formula:
T! sin 𝜃 𝜆𝑠𝑔
=
𝑇# cos 𝜃 𝑇!
C! 578 D F?
E# 345 D
can be rewriNen as 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃, in addi0on, let E!
be represented by some constant k

𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 = 𝑘𝑠
0(
When s is infinitesimally small, the ra0o of 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 can be expressed by 0"
, as it is the same 𝜃

between the infinitely small x and y components of the s length of rope (refer to Figure 10).

In addi0on, 𝑑𝑠 = X𝑑𝑥 # + 𝑑𝑦 # using the Pythagorean theorem when s is infinitesimally small as

it is in our analysis; it is simply applying the Pythagorean theorem to the triangle with hypotenuse
s from Figure 10.
𝑑𝑦
= 𝑘𝑠
𝑑𝑥
We can differen0ate both sides and subs0tute our defini0on for 𝑑𝑠 to create an expression in
terms of x and y.
𝑑# 𝑦 𝑑𝑠
#
=𝑘
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Subs0tu0ng 𝑑𝑠 expression,
𝑑# 𝑦 1
= 𝑘 / 5 X𝑑𝑥 # + 𝑑𝑦 #
𝑑𝑥 # 𝑑𝑥
!
The 0" term can be distributed in the square root:

𝑑# 𝑦 1#
= 𝑘h@ A 𝑑𝑥 # + 𝑑𝑦 #
𝑑𝑥 # 𝑑𝑥 #
 14

𝑑# 𝑦 𝑑𝑥 # 𝑑𝑦 #
=𝑘 h +
𝑑𝑥 # 𝑑𝑥 # 𝑑𝑥 #

We can simplify to:

𝑑# 𝑦 𝑑𝑦 #
h
=𝑘 1+ #
𝑑𝑥 # 𝑑𝑥
0(
At this point, we can create a variable 𝑧 and let it be equal to 0" . We can subs0tute it in:
𝑑
𝑧 = 𝑘 X1 + 𝑧 #
𝑑𝑥
We can move 𝑧 terms to the one side by mul0plying both sides by 𝑑𝑥 and dividing by √1 + 𝑧 # :

𝑑𝑧 1 1
(𝑑𝑥) / 5 = 𝑘 X1 + 𝑧 # (𝑑𝑥) / 5
𝑑𝑥 √1 + 𝑧 # √1 + 𝑧 #
𝑑𝑧
= 𝑘𝑑𝑥
√1 + 𝑧 #
At this point, we can integrate both sides of the func0on:
𝑑𝑧
Y = Y 𝑘𝑑𝑥
√1 + 𝑧 #
The le> side integral was evaluated using Symolabs’ online integral solver, it evaluates to the
inverse hyperbolic sine func0on:
sinh)! (𝑧) = 𝑘𝑥 + 𝑐
Let c = 0 for now, as the constant will be added back later. We can now take the hyperbolic sine
of both sides to isolate 𝑧:
sinh(sinh)! (𝑧)) = sinh(𝑘𝑥)
𝑧 = sinh(𝑘𝑥)
0(
Recall that 𝑧 = 0"
:
𝑑𝑦
= sinh(𝑘𝑥)
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 = sinh(𝑘𝑥) 𝑑𝑥
We can now integrate both sides to get an expression in terms of 𝑦:

Y 𝑑𝑦 = Y sinh(𝑘𝑥) 𝑑𝑥
 15

We already know the an0deriva0ve of hyperbolic sine is hyperbolic cosine from before,
therefore this integral is simple to solve using u-subs0tu0on:
Let 𝑢 = 𝑘𝑥
𝑑𝑢 = 𝑘𝑑𝑥
1
𝑑𝑢 = 𝑑𝑥
𝑘
1
Y 𝑑𝑦 = Y sinh(𝑢) 𝑑𝑢
𝑘
!
We can move the G outside the integral
1
Y 𝑑𝑦 = Y sinh(𝑢) 𝑑𝑢
𝑘
Now we can integrate for the following:
1
𝑦 = cosh(𝑘𝑥) + 𝑐
k
This is the formula that models the catenary curve, as we can see, it uses the hyperbolic cosine
to model its curve. 𝑘 and 𝑐 define the parameters of the curve to model different scenarios (Dot
Physics). This formula can be used not only to describe the shape of a hanging length between 2
points but also to calculate the length of the hanging length (or specific sec0ons) (Why Are
Hyperbolic Func5ons Important?). It must be noted in the real world, many addi0onal variables
can be added, such as drag and the considera0on of the non-uniform nature of actual ropes, as
we assumed uniform density in our deriva0on (Why Are Hyperbolic Func5ons Important?).
However, the shape of the hyperbolic cosine curve naturally assumes the shape with the least
amount of gravita0onal poten0al energy, which is another reason why hanging lengths follow this
shape (Ostrov). Objects typically seek the lowest energy state to maintain stability and balance
due to the fundamental principle of energy conserva0on (Faurand).

4.2- The Tractrix

Imagine you have an old-fashioned pocket watch with a chain. If that pocket watch is laid on the
table and the chain is en0rely outstretched, we can begin to pull on the very end of the chain in
a direc0on perpendicular to the direc0on of the chain-watch line. We can imagine the watch and
 16

chain laying along the x-axis, and the direc0on in which

the chain is being pulled is strictly one direc0on on the
y-axis on the cartesian plane. The watch will begin to
follow the chain in a curve. The ques0on now is, “What
is the curve that models the path of the watch?” The
answer is the tractrix curve (Zach Star).
The first thing to note is the chain will maintain a linear
shape throughout its being pulled as it will be in
constant tension. The length of the chain can be called
Figure 11. The Tractrix curve (in red) on the cartesian plan,
length L. length L can be imagined to be pulling the green dot, ver2cal
and horizontal components of the chain are outlined in yellow
Secondly, the tangent line is essen0ally the line the
straightened chain creates at any given point on the curve. As the chain con0nues to drag the
watch upwards, the slope of the line changes, but is s0ll the line tangent to a point on the curve
(as the curve is graphing the path of the watch as it moves, the curve is defined by the loca0on
of the end of the line as it gets pulled along. This makes the slope of the line the deriva0ve of the
curve).
0(
Therefore, the 0" of any point on the curve gives us the slope of the chain when it pulls the watch

along at that instant. In addi0on, we can create an expression that gives the general form for the
slope of the chain by considering the triangle in Figure 11. 𝑥 is the horizontal distance of a point
on the curve from the origin, and L is the length of the chain; the other leg of the triangle can be

expressed using the Pythagorean Theorem: √𝐿# − 𝑥 #

=>H,
If slope is =I. , then the slope of the tangent lines can be expressed as:

√𝐿# − 𝑥 #
𝑥
As √𝐿# − 𝑥 # is the ver0cal change for the line, and 𝑥 is the horizontal change.
Recalling once again, this is an expression for the deriva0ve of the curve:
𝑑𝑦 √𝐿# − 𝑥 #
=
𝑑𝑥 𝑥
 17

All we need to do is solve this differen0al equa0on to get an expression for the curve. The method
to solve it is beyond this explora0on, however, the researched solu0on was found (Tractrix):
𝐿 + √𝐿# − 𝑥 #
𝑦 = ± @𝑎 ln − X𝐿# − 𝑥 # A
𝑥
The first term of the solu0on actually simplifies to a hyperbolic inverse secant term:
𝐿 + √𝐿# − 𝑥 #
± @𝑎 ln − X𝐿# − 𝑥 # A
𝑥
𝑥
= ± 7𝐿 arcsech 7 : − X𝐿# − 𝑥 # :
𝐿

Therefore, the tractrix u0lizes hyperbolic trigonometric

func0ons for at least part of its modelling. There is a
significant rela0on between the tractrix and the catenary
curve, as the tractrix is the involute of the catenary
(Yates). The easiest way to picture this is to imagine a
Figure 12. Visualiza2on of the crea2on of the involute.
string star0ng at the vertex of the catenary and wrapped The Blue catenary has the green string “unwound” from
it, forming the purple, horizontally oriented tractrix.
around one-half of the curve; if one were to pick the string (Ambjörn Naeve)
back up at the vertex of the catenary and begin to unwind
it tautly while following the string up, the shape the free end of the string traces is the involute
(see Figure 12), it would resemble a horizontally aligned tractrix. The same can be done to the
other half of the catenary to get the full tractrix shape. Likewise, the catenary is the evolute to
the tractrix; this rela0on has more significance in differen0al geometry which is beyond the scope
of this IA (BYJU’S, “Involute of the Curves - Defini0on, Equa0on and Applica0ons”).

5.1- Conclusion
Throughout this explora0on, I believe I was able to achieve the aim I set out to achieve- to
understand the nature and behavior of hyperbolic trigonometric func0ons and some of their uses
in our world. However, I have come to realize the most significant part of this IA was that I was
given the opportunity to explore something that I truly wanted to inves0gate myself. The world
of hyperbolas and their func0ons is a unique branch of mathema0cs unlike anything I have ever
studied before; it made me realize just how interconnected so many things in our natural world
 18

are, similar to how the catenary and tractrix are two sides of the same coin, even if it may not
seem like it on the surface. I could extend my knowledge of physics, calculus, and geometry both
individually, and using them together. Many intersec0ons with mathema0cs I was already familiar
with occurred in this explora0on, o>en enriching my understanding in these areas. Determining
the input in a hyperbolic trigonometric func0on had significant implica0ons for how I viewed
circular func0ons, as that alternate rela0on with sector and input would not have been explored
otherwise. Seeing some equa0ons as a “locus of points” helps me conceptualize equa0ons of the
circle on the Cartesian plane beNer, even if it was not the target of my explora0on. While it may
be significant for hyperbolic func0ons, the even and odd spli_ng of a func0on is valid for a much
broader range of func0ons I had never considered. All of this is to say the niche nature of this
explora0on may seem rela0vely useless on the surface, but exploring these func0ons has brought
a level of understanding in branches of mathema0cs I would never have foreseen. For that reason,
I have come to appreciate the difficult journey I experienced in understanding this strange branch
of mathema0cs.

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 19

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