Differentiation problems involving trig functions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around differentiation problems involving trigonometric functions, specifically focusing on the derivatives of functions defined in terms of trigonometric identities and logarithmic functions. Participants seek assistance with specific differentiation tasks and explore the application of the chain rule and algebraic manipulation in their calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents two differentiation problems, asking for help with the calculations and expressing confusion over the results.
  • Another participant confirms the differentiation of x = cos(θ) leading to dx = -sin(θ) and prompts for the calculation of dy.
  • There is a suggestion to apply the chain rule for the logarithmic function, with a reminder of the derivative of ln(x).
  • A participant shares their derived expression for the derivative of the logarithmic function but struggles to simplify it to the expected answer.
  • Another participant provides a detailed breakdown of the derivative of the function involving sec and tan, showing the steps to convert to sine and cosine for simplification.
  • There are expressions of gratitude for assistance, indicating that the explanations helped clarify the differentiation process.
  • Participants discuss algebraic manipulation techniques, including factoring out terms to simplify the expression further.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the application of differentiation rules and the need for algebraic manipulation, but there is no consensus on the specific steps or methods to arrive at the final answers for the problems presented. Some participants express confusion and seek clarification, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved in terms of achieving a clear solution for all aspects of the problems.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty regarding their algebraic skills and the simplification process, highlighting potential gaps in understanding the manipulation of trigonometric identities and logarithmic differentiation.

cscott
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1. If [itex]x = \cos \theta[/itex] and [itex]y = \cos \theta + \sin \theta[/itex], [itex]\frac{dy}{dx}[/itex] is? (Answer: [itex]1 - \cot \theta[/itex])

I'm just not seeing this question... any help appreciated.

2. [itex]y = \ln(\sec 2x + \tan 2x)[/itex] (Answer = [itex]2\sec 2x[/itex])

I get to [tex]\frac{1}{(2\sec x\tan x) + (2\sec^2 x)}[/tex] but it doesn't seem that I'm on the right track compared to the answers I have.
 
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1) If [itex]x = \cos \theta[/itex] then [itex]dx = - \sin \theta[/itex], right?
Now compute [itex]dy[/itex] as well and do the division :wink:

2) What do you have to do here? Just compute [itex]dy[/itex] or [itex]dy/dx[/itex] again with the x from 1?
 
TD said:
1) If [itex]x = \cos \theta[/itex] then [itex]dx = - \sin \theta[/itex], right?
Now compute [itex]dy[/itex] as well and do the division :wink:

2) What do you have to do here? Just compute [itex]dy[/itex] or [itex]dy/dx[/itex] again with the x from 1?

Thanks I got 1 now! As for 2, it's a separate question. I just need to differentiate with respect to x.
 
For your second one, you need to remember that [tex]\frac{d(\ln{x})}{dx}=\frac{1}{x}*dx[/tex] Just remember to use the chain rule and you should get the right answer.
 
For the derivative of an ln of a function, you can use the following (follows from the chain rule)

[tex]\left(\ln \left( {f\left( x \right)} \right)\right)^\prime = \frac{{f'\left( x \right)}}<br /> {{f\left( x \right)}}[/tex]
 
OK, so I should get [tex]\frac{(2 \sec 2x \tan 2x) + (2 \sec^2 2x)}{(\sec 2x + \tan 2x)}[/tex] but I still can't get it to [itex]2 \sec 2x[/tex], my algebra is failing me! <img src="https://www.physicsforums.com/styles/physicsforums/xenforo/smilies/oldschool/blushing.gif" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":blushing:" title="Blushing :blushing:" data-shortname=":blushing:" />[/itex]
 
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For the derivative

[tex]\left( {\sec \left( {2x} \right) + \tan \left( {2x} \right)} \right)^\prime = \frac{{2\sin \left( {2x} \right)}}{{\cos ^2 \left( {2x} \right)}} + \frac{2}{{\cos ^2 \left( {2x} \right)}} = \frac{{2\sin \left( {2x} \right) + 2}}{{\cos ^2 \left( {2x} \right)}}[/tex]

Then it's just putting everything into sines and cosines

[tex]\frac{{\frac{{2\sin \left( {2x} \right) + 2}}{{\cos ^2 \left( {2x} \right)}}}}{{\sec \left( {2x} \right) + \tan \left( {2x} \right)}} = \frac{{\frac{{2\sin \left( {2x} \right) + 2}}{{\cos ^2 \left( {2x} \right)}}}}{{\frac{1}{{\cos \left( {2x} \right)}} + \frac{{\sin \left( {2x} \right)}}{{\cos \left( {2x} \right)}}}} = \frac{{\frac{{2\left( {1 + \sin \left( {2x} \right)} \right)}}{{\cos ^2 \left( {2x} \right)}}}}{{\frac{{1 + \sin \left( {2x} \right)}}{{\cos \left( {2x} \right)}}}} = \frac{2}{{\cos \left( {2x} \right)}} = 2\sec \left( {2x} \right)[/tex]
 
Wow, I never would have figured it out thinking the way I was. Thank you for being patient with me :smile:
 
No problem.

Normally I'd have tried to guide you more through it but I hope my previous posts is clear enough and that you actually understand what happened.

Since you try to simpplify, it is easier to lose the tangent and secans and switch all over to sines and cosines. Then it's purely algebra, simplifying the expression.
 
  • #10
cscott said:
OK, so I should get [tex]\frac{(2 \sec 2x \tan 2x) + (2 \sec^2 2x)}{(\sec 2x + \tan 2x)}[/tex] but I still can't get it to [itex]2 \sec 2x[/tex], my algebra is failing me! <img src="https://www.physicsforums.com/styles/physicsforums/xenforo/smilies/oldschool/blushing.gif" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":blushing:" title="Blushing :blushing:" data-shortname=":blushing:" />[/itex]
[itex] take out [itex]2 \sec 2x[/tex] as a factor from the numerator. The other bits will cancel.[/itex][/itex]
 
  • #11
Fermat said:
take out [itex]2 \sec 2x[/tex] as a factor from the numerator. The other bits will cancel.[/itex]
[itex] <br /> Ah, I never thought of that either. Thanks.[/itex]
 

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