Hyperbolic functions — AS & A Level Further Mathematics (9231) questions by topic

Hyperbolic identities and their exponential definitions anchor this topic: sketching y = tanh x and stating its asymptote, deriving a double-angle identity linking sinh squared and cosh from first principles, and establishing the Pythagorean-style relationship between tanh and sech.

Show, find and sketch are the top command words across 18 questions from 2023 to 2025 papers, worth from 4 to 15 marks, where starting explicitly from the exponential definitions, as instructed, is what the mark scheme rewards. With no examiner-report extracts logged for this topic, submitting each identity proof for instant marking is the way to confirm every algebraic step from exponential definition to stated identity is shown, not assumed.

May–June 2025, Paper 21

Question 6 · 15 marks

Starting from the definitions of tanh and sech in terms of exponentials, prove that 1 - tanh^2(u) = sech^2(u).

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May–June 2025, Paper 22

Question 6 · 15 marks

Starting from the definitions of tanh and sech in terms of exponentials, prove that 1 - tanh^2(u) = sech^2(u).

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May–June 2025, Paper 23

Question 2 · 8 marks

Starting from the definitions of tanh and sech in terms of exponentials, prove that tanh^2(t) + sech^2(t) = 1.

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Question 3 · 9 marks

The curve C has equation 9y^2 - 3arcsinh(xy) = 1 - 3ln(3). Show that, at the point (4, 1/3) on C, dy/dx = -1/2.

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May–June 2025, Paper 24

Question 2 · 6 marks

Find the exact value of integral from 1 to 5/2 of 1/sqrt(x^2 - 2x + 5) dx, giving your answer in logarithmic form.

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Question 8 · 15 marks

The curve C has equation y = tanh x for x = 0. Sketch C and state the equation of the asymptote.

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May–June 2024, Paper 21

Question 6 · 12 marks

Show that (cosh(x) + sinh(x))^(1/2) = e^((1/2)x).

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May–June 2024, Paper 22

Question 6 · 12 marks

Show that (cosh(x) + sinh(x))^(1/2) = e^((1/2)x).

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May–June 2024, Paper 23

Question 7 · 12 marks

Show that d/dx[ (x/2) sqrt(x^2 - 9) - (9/2) cosh^(-1)(x/3) ] = sqrt(x^2 - 9).

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October–November 2024, Paper 22

Question 1 · 4 marks

Find the value of the integral from 6 to 7 of 1/sqrt((x - 5)^2 - 1) dx, giving your answer in the form ln(a + sqrt(b)), where a and b are integers to be determined.

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Question 7 · 10 marks

Show that d/dx(ln(tanh x)) = 2 cosech(2x).

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May–June 2023, Paper 21

Question 8 · 14 marks

Starting from the definitions of sech and tanh in terms of exponentials, prove that 1 - sech^2(t) = tanh^2(t).

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May–June 2023, Paper 22

Question 8 · 14 marks

Starting from the definitions of sech and tanh in terms of exponentials, prove that 1 - sech^2(t) = tanh^2(t).

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May–June 2023, Paper 23

Question 5 · 11 marks

Starting from the definitions of cosh and sinh in terms of exponentials, prove that 2 cosh^2(x) = cosh(2x) + 1.

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October–November 2023, Paper 21

Question 6 · 14 marks

Starting from the definitions of cosh and sinh in terms of exponentials, prove that sinh(2x) = 2 sinh(x) cosh(x).

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October–November 2023, Paper 22

Question 5 · 10 marks

The diagram shows part of the curve y = x sech^2(x) and its maximum point M. Show that, at M, 2x tanh x - 1 = 0 and verify that this equation has a root between 0.7 and 0.8.

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Question 7 · 12 marks

Starting from the definitions of cosh and sinh in terms of exponentials, prove that 2 sinh^2 A = cosh 2A - 1.

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October–November 2023, Paper 23

Question 6 · 14 marks

Starting from the definitions of cosh and sinh in terms of exponentials, prove that sinh(2x) = 2 sinh(x) cosh(x).

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