Calc Help: Find Derivative & Understand Why Answer Wrong

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    Derivative
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the derivative of the function \( y = \csc^{-1}(\sec(x)) \). Participants explore different methods of differentiation, potential errors in calculations, and the implications of the results. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and technical explanation.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the error in the original calculation may stem from cancellation issues, particularly regarding the behavior of \( \tan(x) \) and \( \sqrt{[\tan(x)]^2} \).
  • One participant proposes an alternative approach by rewriting the function in terms of more familiar inverse trigonometric functions, leading to a different perspective on the derivative.
  • Another participant provides a formula for differentiating \( \csc^{-1}(u) \) and applies it to the given function, arriving at a derivative of \( -1 \) under certain conditions.
  • Some participants note that the derivative can yield different results depending on the sign of \( \sin(x) \), indicating that the answer is conditional.
  • A later reply highlights the importance of considering absolute values in the derivative formula, which may affect the final result.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correctness of the derivative and the conditions under which it holds. There is no consensus on a single correct approach or answer, as multiple interpretations and methods are presented.

Contextual Notes

Some participants point out that the calculations depend on the assumptions made about the angle \( x \) and its range, particularly regarding the signs of trigonometric functions involved.

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

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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' \:=\:\frac{-u'}{u\sqrt{u^2-1}}

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

\text{Then: }\:y' \;=\;\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]
...
 

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