Deriving D/dx of Inverse Trig Functions

In summary, the conversation is about deriving a function where the trig function is under a square root. The process involves using the chain rule and u-substitution. The correct substitution for u is tan^-1(x) and the corresponding du is dx/(x^2+1). The final function is y = (tan^-1(x))^(1/2) and its derivative is y' = 1/(2sqrt(tan^-1(x))) * dx/(x^2+1). The conversation ends with one person admitting their mistake and the other saying they have solved the problem.
  • #1
Chocolaty
48
0
How do you derive a function where the trig is under a square root
like this:
y=sqr(tan^-1(x))
y=(tan^-1(x))^(1/2)

i know that y=tan^-1u(x) => dy/dx=1/(1+u^2)*du/dx

But how do I work it out? The book doesn't give the answers to pair numbers :(
 
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  • #2
chain rule?
 
  • #3
StatusX said:
chain rule?

Yea that's what I was going to say.
 
  • #4
Yeah, chain rule.

[tex]u=\tan^{-1}(x)[/tex]
[tex]du=\frac{dx}{x^2+1}[/tex]

So using u-substitution you can write you function as this.

[tex]y=\sqrt{u}=u^{\frac{1}{2}}[/tex]
[tex]y'=\frac{1}{2\sqrt{u}}*du[/tex]

I think you can make the necessary substitution now.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #5
Jameson said:
Yeah, chain rule.

[tex]u=\tan^{-1}(x)[/tex]
[tex]du=\frac{1}{x^2+1}[/tex]
The second line is wrong, Jameson.
It should read:
[tex]du=\frac{dx}{x^2+1}[/tex].
dx, not 1 :wink:.
----------
Have you worked out the problem, Chocolaty?
 
Last edited:
  • #6
VietDao29 said:
----------
Have you worked out the problem, d_leet?

Yes I have.
 
  • #7
d_leet said:
Yes I have.
Ooops, sorry, I mean Chocolaty :biggrin:...
Hope you don't mind. :rolleyes:
 
  • #8
VietDao29 said:
Ooops, sorry, I mean Chocolaty :biggrin:...
Hope you don't mind. :rolleyes:

lol That's alright.
 
  • #9
VietDao29 said:
The second line is wrong, Jameson.
It should read:
[tex]du=\frac{dx}{x^2+1}[/tex].
dx, not 1 :wink:.

Tsk tsk. Sorry bout that. Fixed.
 

What are inverse trig functions?

Inverse trig functions are mathematical functions that undo the effects of basic trigonometric functions. They are used to find the angle measures of a right triangle when given the side lengths.

Why is it important to know how to derive inverse trig functions?

Deriving inverse trig functions allows us to find the derivatives of more complex functions that involve inverse trig functions. This is useful in applications such as physics, engineering, and economics.

What is the general formula for deriving inverse trig functions?

The general formula for deriving inverse trig functions is d/dx (arcsin(u)) = 1/sqrt(1-u^2) * du/dx. This formula can be applied to all inverse trig functions, such as arcsecant, arccosecant, and arccotangent.

Can the chain rule be used to derive inverse trig functions?

Yes, the chain rule is used when deriving inverse trig functions. This is because the inverse trig functions are composed of basic trigonometric functions, and the chain rule allows us to find the derivative of composite functions.

Are there any special cases when deriving inverse trig functions?

Yes, there are special cases when deriving inverse trig functions. For example, when deriving arcsine function, the derivative of arcsin(u) is 1/sqrt(1-u^2) * u' if u is a function of x. However, if u is a constant, then the derivative is simply 0.

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