Derivative of a trig function/chain rule

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around differentiating the function sin^3(2x) using the chain rule. Participants are exploring the application of differentiation techniques in the context of trigonometric functions.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants share their attempts at differentiating sin^3(2x) and seek confirmation of their results. There is also a related question about differentiating the function y=xe^{-3x}, with participants discussing the expected outcome.

Discussion Status

Some participants have confirmed the correctness of the differentiation attempts, while others have provided feedback on notation and clarity. The conversation reflects a collaborative effort to validate understanding and clarify the differentiation process.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of available solutions for their homework, indicating a reliance on peer feedback for verification of their work.

andrew.c
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Homework Statement



Differentiate [tex]sin^3 2x[/tex]


Homework Equations



Chain rule.

The Attempt at a Solution



I just need to see if I got the answer right, there aren't any solutions available for this paper, and I need it for the next parts of a question...

I got...
[tex] \begin{align*} <br /> = (sin 2x)^3\\<br /> differentiate\\<br /> = 3 (sin 2x)^2 (2 cos 2x)\\<br /> = 6 cos 2x sin^2 2x\\<br /> \end{align*}[/tex]

?
 
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Correct.
 
Sweet!
Muchos gracias!
 
Another quickie...

Is the derivative of [tex]y=xe^{-3x}[/tex] going to work out to be [tex]e^{-3x} (1-3x)[/tex] ?
 
Yes.

Also, that would be muchas gracias.
 
andrew.c said:

Homework Statement



Differentiate [tex]sin^3 2x[/tex]


Homework Equations



Chain rule.

The Attempt at a Solution



I just need to see if I got the answer right, there aren't any solutions available for this paper, and I need it for the next parts of a question...

I got...
[tex] \begin{align*} <br /> = (sin 2x)^3\\<br /> differentiate\\<br /> = 3 (sin 2x)^2 (2 cos 2x)\\<br /> = 6 cos 2x sin^2 2x\\<br /> \end{align*}[/tex]

?

Some help with your notation.

d/dx(sin3(2x))
= 3 (sin 2x)^2 (2 cos 2x)
= 6 cos(2x) sin2(2x)

The first line says that we want to differentiate the expression in parentheses. In the second line, we have taken the derivative, using the chain rule. The third line is still the derivative, but in cleaned-up form.
 

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