Calc Help: Find Derivative & Understand Why Answer Wrong

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter veronica1999
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Derivative
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the differentiation of the function \(y = \csc^{-1}(\sec x)\). Participants identify that the error in the original calculation arises from incorrect cancellation during the differentiation process. The correct derivative is established as \(y' = -1\) when \(\sin x > 0\) and \(y' = +1\) when \(\sin x < 0\). The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the behavior of inverse trigonometric functions and proper application of differentiation rules.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of inverse trigonometric functions, specifically \(\csc^{-1}\) and \(\sec\).
  • Familiarity with differentiation rules and techniques in calculus.
  • Knowledge of the properties of trigonometric functions and their derivatives.
  • Basic proficiency in LaTeX for mathematical notation.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the differentiation of inverse trigonometric functions, focusing on \(\frac{d}{dx}(\operatorname{arccsc} x)\).
  • Learn how to properly apply cancellation in calculus to avoid common pitfalls.
  • Explore the implications of the absolute value in derivatives involving trigonometric functions.
  • Practice using LaTeX for clear mathematical communication in discussions.
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those studying calculus and trigonometry, as well as anyone involved in mathematical discussions requiring precise notation and differentiation techniques.

veronica1999
Messages
61
Reaction score
0
I don't understand why my answer is wrong...
 

Attachments

Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Re: find the derivative

Hi Veronica,

It would be a good idea to take some time to learn Latex. We have http://www.mathhelpboards.com/f26/ with some tips here to get you started.

This is what I think you wrote out.
$$y = \csc ^{-1} \left[ \sec(x) \right]$$
Find $y'$. Is that correct? :)
 
Re: find the derivative

Jameson said:
Hi Veronica,

It would be a good idea to take some time to learn Latex. We have http://www.mathhelpboards.com/f26/ with some tips here to get you started.

This is what I think you wrote out.
$$y = \csc ^{-1} \left[ \sec(x) \right]$$
Find $y'$. Is that correct? :)

Yes!
I promise i will learn it soon.
 
Last edited:
Re: find the derivative

veronica1999 said:
Yes!
I promise i will learn it soon.

It's ok, Veronica :)

I really need to head to bed now but I believe your error is in the cancellation. Your second line of in the PDF looks good to me, so if there's an error it seems like it should be with the cancellation. $\tan(x)$ can be negative but $\sqrt{ \left[ \tan(x) \right] ^2}$ cannot.

Someone will be along to help you soon.
 
Re: find the derivative

veronica1999 said:
I don't understand why my answer is wrong...

Operating as follows...

$\displaystyle y= \csc^{-1} (\sec x) \implies \csc y = \frac{1}{\cos x} \implies \sin y = \cos x \implies y = \sin^{-1} (\cos x)$

... You have to operate on more comfortable inverse trigonometric functions...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
Re: find the derivative

Hello, veronica1999!

I can't open your file, but I'll give it a try.

\text{Differentiate: }\:y \:=\:\csc^{-1}(\sec x)
\text{Formula: }\:\text{If }y \:=\:\csc^{-1}u,\,\text{then: }\:y&#039; \:=\:\frac{-u&#039;}{u\sqrt{u^2-1}}

\text{We have: }\:y \:=\:\csc^{-1}(\sec x)

\text{Then: }\:y&#039; \;=\;\frac{-\sec x\tan x}{\sec x\sqrt{\sec^2x-1}} \;=\;\frac{-\sec x\tan x}{\sec x\tan x} \;=\;-1
 
Re: find the derivative

This is a surprisingly tricky problem. The first thing to notice is that $$\frac d{dx}(\operatorname{arccsc} x) = \frac{-1}{|x|\sqrt{x^2-1}}$$. (See here for example, though there are several web sites that carelessly give that formula without the mod signs on the $x$ in the denominator.) Therefore $$\frac d{dx}\bigl(\operatorname{arccsc}(\sec x)\bigr) = \frac{-\sec x\tan x}{|\sec x|\sqrt{\sec^2 x-1}} = \frac{-\sec x\tan x}{|\sec x\tan x|}.$$ Next, $\sec x\tan x = \sin x\sec^2x$, and $\sec^2x$ is always positive. So we can cancel a factor $\sec^2x$ from the top and bottom of that last displayed fraction, to get $$\frac d{dx}\bigl(\operatorname{arccsc}(\sec x)\bigr) = \frac{-\sin x}{|\sin x|} = \begin{cases}-1 & \text{if }\sin x>0,\\ +1 & \text{if }\sin x<0.\end{cases}$$
 
Re: find the derivative

Opalg said:
This is a surprisingly tricky problem. The first thing to notice is that $$\frac d{dx}(\operatorname{arccsc} x) = \frac{-1}{|x|\sqrt{x^2-1}}$$. (See here for example, though there are several web sites that carelessly give that formula without the mod signs on the $x$ in the denominator.) Therefore $$\frac d{dx}\bigl(\operatorname{arccsc}(\sec x)\bigr) = \frac{-\sec x\tan x}{|\sec x|\sqrt{\sec^2 x-1}} = \frac{-\sec x\tan x}{|\sec x\tan x|}.$$ Next, $\sec x\tan x = \sin x\sec^2x$, and $\sec^2x$ is always positive. So we can cancel a factor $\sec^2x$ from the top and bottom of that last displayed fraction, to get $$\frac d{dx}\bigl(\operatorname{arccsc}(\sec x)\bigr) = \frac{-\sin x}{|\sin x|} = \begin{cases}-1 & \text{if }\sin x>0,\\ +1 & \text{if }\sin x<0.\end{cases}$$
Thank you!
Now it is clear.:D
 
Re: find the derivative

Hello, veronica1999!

There is a reason for the constant answer.

Differentiate: .y \:=\:\csc^{-1}(\sec x)
Assume angle x is acute.

x is an angle in a right triangle.
Let z be the other acute angle.

Code:
                        *
                     * z*
             c    *     *
               *        * a
            *           *
         * x            *
      *  *  *  *  *  *  *
               b
We have: .\sec x \,=\,\tfrac{c}{b}

Then we want: .\csc^{-1}\left(\tfrac{c}{b}\right)

The angle whose cosecant is \tfrac{c}{b} is angle z.

Hence: .y \:=\:\csc^{-1}(\sec x) \:=\:z

. . . . . . y \:=\:\tfrac{\pi}{2} - x

Therefore: .y&#039; \;=\;-1
 
  • #10
[math]\displaystyle \begin{align*} y &= \csc^{-1} { \left[ \sec{(x)} \right] } \\ \csc{(y)} &= \sec{(x)} \\ \frac{1}{\sin{(y)}} &= \frac{1}{\cos{(x)}} \\ \cos{(x)} &= \sin{(y)} \\ \frac{d}{dx} \left[ \cos{(x)} \right] &= \frac{d}{dx} \left[ \sin{(y)} \right] \\ -\sin{(x)} &= \cos{(y)}\,\frac{dy}{dx} \\ -\frac{\sin{(x)}}{\cos{(y)}} &= \frac{dy}{dx} \\ -\frac{\sin{(x)}}{ \sqrt{ 1 - \frac{1}{\csc^2{(y)}} } } &= \frac{dy}{dx} \\ -\frac{\sin{(x)}}{ \sqrt{ 1 - \frac{1}{ \left( \csc{ \left\{ \csc^{-1}{ \left[ \sec{(x)} \right] } \right\} } \right) ^2 } } } &= \frac{dy}{dx} \\ -\frac{\sin{(x)}}{\sqrt{ 1 - \frac{1}{\sec^2{(x)}} }} &= \frac{dy}{dx} \\ -\frac{\sin{(x)}}{\sqrt{1 - \cos^2{(x)}}} &= \frac{dy}{dx} \\ -\frac{\sin{(x)}}{\sin{(x)}} &= \frac{dy}{dx} \\ \frac{dy}{dx} &= -1 \end{align*}[/math]
 
  • #11
Prove It said:
[math]\displaystyle \begin{align*} y &= \csc^{-1} { \left[ \sec{(x)} \right] } \\ \csc{(y)} &= \sec{(x)} \\ \frac{1}{\sin{(y)}} &= \frac{1}{\cos{(x)}} \\ \cos{(x)} &= \sin{(y)} \\ \frac{d}{dx} \left[ \cos{(x)} \right] &= \frac{d}{dx} \left[ \sin{(y)} \right] \\ -\sin{(x)} &= \cos{(y)}\,\frac{dy}{dx} \\ -\frac{\sin{(x)}}{\cos{(y)}} &= \frac{dy}{dx} \\ -\frac{\sin{(x)}}{ \sqrt{ 1 - \frac{1}{\csc^2{(y)}} } } &= \frac{dy}{dx} \\ -\frac{\sin{(x)}}{ \sqrt{ 1 - \frac{1}{ \left( \csc{ \left\{ \csc^{-1}{ \left[ \sec{(x)} \right] } \right\} } \right) ^2 } } } &= \frac{dy}{dx} \\ -\frac{\sin{(x)}}{\sqrt{ 1 - \frac{1}{\sec^2{(x)}} }} &= \frac{dy}{dx} \\ -\frac{\sin{(x)}}{\sqrt{1 - \cos^2{(x)}}} &= \frac{dy}{dx} \\ -\frac{\sin{(x)}}{\sin{(x)}} &= \frac{dy}{dx}\quad \color{red}{\text{The denominator here should be }|\sin x|} \\ \frac{dy}{dx} &= -1\quad \color{red}{\text{ if }\sin x>0, \text{ but +1 if }\sin x<0.}\end{align*}[/math]
...
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
939
  • · Replies 49 ·
2
Replies
49
Views
7K
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
5K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
5K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
8K
Replies
1
Views
2K