Chain Rule & Trig Functions: Explaining to DeusAbs

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the chain rule in calculus, particularly in the context of differentiating logarithmic functions involving trigonometric functions. Participants explore the mechanics of applying the chain rule to functions like \(y = \ln(\sin(x))\) and \(f(x) = \ln(\cos(x^2))\), examining the steps involved in differentiation and the treatment of trigonometric functions within these expressions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • DeusAbs expresses confusion about how the sine function appears in the denominator when differentiating \(y = \ln(\sin(x))\), questioning why an operation on \(\sin(x)\) is not explicitly shown.
  • CB provides a clarification by introducing a substitution \(u = \sin(x)\) and demonstrating the differentiation steps, indicating that the chain rule applies through the relationship between \(y\), \(u\), and \(x\).
  • DeusAbs attempts to apply the chain rule multiple times to differentiate \(f(x) = \ln(\cos(x^2))\), presenting their working and inviting feedback on their method.
  • CB suggests that using Leibniz's notation may provide clearer insight into the differentiation process compared to Newton's notation.
  • DeusAbs acknowledges the suggestion and expresses a desire to avoid any mystical connotations associated with traditional terminology in calculus.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the application of the chain rule and the steps involved in differentiation. However, there is no consensus on the best notation to use, as preferences for Leibniz's versus Newton's notation are expressed without resolution.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the importance of clarity in notation and the potential for confusion when applying the chain rule to functions involving trigonometric identities. The discussion reflects varying levels of comfort with mathematical notation and differentiation techniques.

Who May Find This Useful

Students and individuals interested in calculus, particularly those grappling with the chain rule and its application to logarithmic and trigonometric functions.

DeusAbscondus
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this time it relates to the chain rule and trig functions.

for example:
$$y=ln(sinx)\Rightarrow y'=cot(x)$$ via the chain rule, including the following steps
$$\frac{d}{dx}ln(sinx)$$
$$=cos(x).\frac{1}{sin(x)}$$
$$=\frac{cos(x)}{sin(x)}$$
$=cot(x)$
but I would have expected that, following the chain rule, an operation was required on the $sin(x)$, but it just gets shunted down into the denominator along with $x$ Could someone kindly explain to me why?

I mean I understand this expression: $$y=ln(x)\Rightarrow y'=\frac {1}{x}$$
but how does the sine function make it down into the denominator holus-bolus in my example above?

I'm sorry for the awkwardness of expression.
Can anyone see the difficulty I am having with this?

Thanks,
DeusAbs
 
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DeusAbscondus said:
this time it relates to the chain rule and trig functions.

for example:
$$y=ln(sinx)\Rightarrow y'=cot(x)$$ via the chain rule, including the following steps
$$\frac{d}{dx}ln(sinx)$$
$$=cos(x).\frac{1}{sin(x)}$$
$$=\frac{cos(x)}{sin(x)}$$
$=cot(x)$
but I would have expected that, following the chain rule, an operation was required on the $sin(x)$, but it just gets shunted down into the denominator along with $x$ Could someone kindly explain to me why?

I mean I understand this expression: $$y=ln(x)\Rightarrow y'=\frac {1}{x}$$
but how does the sine function make it down into the denominator holus-bolus in my example above?

I'm sorry for the awkwardness of expression.
Can anyone see the difficulty I am having with this?

Thanks,
DeusAbs

Put \(u=\sin(x)\), so \(y=\ln(u)\), then:

\[\frac{dy}{dx}=\frac{dy}{du}\;\frac{du}{dx}=\left( \frac{1}{u} \right) \left( \cos(x) \right) =\frac{\cos(x)}{\sin(x)}\]

CB
 
and triple application of rule

Thanks Cap'n.

I think I'm on a roll: following on from what you and SuperSonic and others have shared about setting out my work, I'm going to try applying the chain rule triply, to the following:
$f(x)=ln(cos(x^2))\Rightarrow f'(x)=-2xtan(x^2)$
with the working out thus: (please comment if I can omit, add anything to or change anything about the way I set this out):
$Let$
$u=x^2$
$v=cos(u)$
$y=ln(v)$
and
$u'=2x$
$v'=-sin(x^2)$
$y'=\frac{1}{cos(x^2)}$
$\therefore f'(x)=u'.v'.y'=\frac{-2x.sin(x^2}{cos(x^2)}=-2xtan(x^2)$

Thanks for the great help,
DeusAbs
 
Last edited:
Re: and triple application of rule

DeusAbscondus said:
Thanks Cap'n.

I think I'm on a roll: following on from what you and SuperSonic and others have shared about setting out my work, I'm going to try applying the chain rule triply, to the following:
$f(x)=ln(cos(x^2))\Rightarrow f'(x)=-2xtan(x^2)$
with the working out thus: (please comment if I can omit, add anything to or change anything about the way I set this out):
$Let$
$u=x^2$
$v=cos(u)$
$y=ln(v)$
and
$u'=2x$
$v'=-sin(x^2)$
$y'=\frac{1}{cos(x^2)}$
$\therefore f'(x)=u'.v'.y'=\frac{-2x.sin(x^2}{cos(x^2)}=-2xtan(x^2)$

Thanks for the great help,
DeusAbs

Nothing wrong there :)
 
Re: and triple application of rule

SuperSonic4 said:
Nothing wrong there :)

Ah, well that'd be because I try to model myself on you, Super.
D'abs
 
Re: and triple application of rule

DeusAbscondus said:
Thanks Cap'n.

I think I'm on a roll: following on from what you and SuperSonic and others have shared about setting out my work, I'm going to try applying the chain rule triply, to the following:
$f(x)=ln(cos(x^2))\Rightarrow f'(x)=-2xtan(x^2)$
with the working out thus: (please comment if I can omit, add anything to or change anything about the way I set this out):
$Let$
$u=x^2$
$v=cos(u)$
$y=ln(v)$
and
$u'=2x$
$v'=-sin(x^2)$
$y'=\frac{1}{cos(x^2)}$
$\therefore f'(x)=u'.v'.y'=\frac{-2x.sin(x^2}{cos(x^2)}=-2xtan(x^2)$

Thanks for the great help,
DeusAbs
I think you would be better off with Liebniz' notation rather that Newton's Fluxion like notation.

Then:

\[\frac{d}{dx}f(x)=\frac{df}{dv}\frac{dv}{du}\frac{du}{dx}\]

which is much more suggestive of what is going on.

CB
 
Last edited:
Re: and triple application of rule

CaptainBlack said:
I think you would be better off with Liebniz' notation rather that Newton's Fluxion notation.

Then:

\[\frac{d}{dx}f(x)=\frac{df}{dv}\frac{dv}{du}\frac{du}{dx}\]

which is much more suggestive of what is going on.

CB

Thanks Cap'n; I'll look it up and look into it. "Fluxion" sure sounds alchemical. If I could find a way of doing Calculus sans any mystical overtones, so much the better for a proudly upright atheist and scientific materialist.
D'abs
 

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