Derivative of a trig. function

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The discussion focuses on finding the derivative of the function sin(θ)/2 + c/θ using the power and product rules. Participants clarify the ambiguity in the original expression and emphasize the importance of proper notation, particularly the use of parentheses. The correct derivative is determined to be (cos(θ)/2 - c/θ²), with c treated as a constant. There is a consensus that the derivative of c/θ requires careful application of differentiation rules. The conversation highlights the need for precision in mathematical expressions to avoid confusion.
frosty8688
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1. Find the derivative of the function using the power rule or product rule



2. sinθ/2 + c/θ



3. I tried to do plus or minus the √1-cosθ/2
 
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Your question is ambiguous. Please use parentheses. It looks like that want to find the derivative of
\frac{\sin \theta}{2} + \frac{c}{\theta}
 
Yes, that's it
 
There is no need to plus or minus the √1-cosθ/2, simply find the derivative of sin θ and 1/θ w.r.t θ (I suppose that's what you are asked.) And what about c? How is it defined in the question?
 
Here's what I have (cosθ/2) + (c/θ). c is a variable.
 
Last edited:
The c probably stands for some constant.
 
ok, thanks.
 
frosty8688 said:
Here's what I have (cosθ/2) + (c/θ). c is a variable.
If c is a constant, and the above is your solution attempt, then you have to do something with the 2nd term (ie. the derivative of c/θ isn't c/θ).
 
The solution would be (cosθ/2).
 
  • #10
frosty8688 said:
The solution would be (cosθ/2).

No, how do you get this? What's the derivative of 1/θ?
 
  • #11
The derivative of a constant is 0.
 
  • #12
frosty8688 said:
The solution would be (cosθ/2).
Sorry, that's wrong. If the original problem was this:
\frac{\sin \theta}{2} + c
(with c as a constant), then your answer would be right. But the 2nd term has a θ in the denominator. What do we do?
 
  • #13
It would be (cosθ/2 - c/θ^2)
 
  • #14
frosty8688 said:
It would be (cosθ/2 - c/θ^2)

Looks good.
 

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