Derivative of inverse trif function

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the derivative of the function defined as y = tan^(-1)[(x^2-1)^(1/2)] + csc^(-1)x. Participants are exploring the application of differentiation techniques, particularly the chain rule, in the context of inverse trigonometric functions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in obtaining the expected answer of zero when differentiating the function.
  • Another participant requests clarification on the differentiation steps taken and speculates that the result might be close to one.
  • A participant shares their derivative calculation, which does not simplify to zero, indicating frustration with the process.
  • There is a mention of the derivatives of arctan and arccsc functions, highlighting the need for the chain rule in the calculations.
  • One participant suggests that the derivative approaches zero after a certain value of x, providing their derived expression for the derivative.
  • Another participant questions the accuracy of earlier calculations and suggests that a minor error may have occurred in the differentiation process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the derivative's value, with some suggesting it approaches zero while others indicate it does not. Multiple competing views on the calculations and results remain present.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved mathematical steps and potential errors in calculations that participants acknowledge but do not clarify. The discussion reflects varying interpretations of the differentiation process for the given functions.

tsoya
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y= tan^(-1)[x^2-1]^(1/2) + csc^(-1)x

i cannot get to the answer, can someone help me?

well the answer should be zero. when i take the derivative of both parts (one of the tan inverse and one of the csc inverse) i don't get anywhere close to 0...
 
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could you show what you did?

and what type of answer are you getting? w/o doing it I think something near 1? maybe 1 minus something.
 
im getting something like x/ [(x^2 -1)(x^2 -1)^2] - 1/[|x|(x^2-1)^2]

before simplifying, and after simplifying its not zero..urgh i cannot get it
 
Hm...

well the derivative of arctan x = 1/(1+x^2), but in your case you'll have to do the chain rule.
for csc^-1 I'm guessing that's inverse csc right? so then you'll want the derivative of 1/sin^-1 x which is arcsin to the power of negative 1 which will again need a use of the chain rule.
 
The answer I am getting is not zero or one.
You will have to use the chain rule multiple times. And keep in mind:
[tex]\frac{d}{dx} arccsc(x) = \frac{-1}{x\sqrt{x^2 - 1}}[/tex]
[tex]\frac{d}{dx} arctan(x) = \frac{1}{x^2 + 1}[/tex].
 
tsoya said:
im getting something like x/ [(x^2 -1)(x^2 -1)^2] - 1/[|x|(x^2-1)^2]

before simplifying, and after simplifying its not zero..urgh i cannot get it
Well, it almost works out to zero, doesn't it? Maybe you made a slight error in your calculation; have you rechecked them?
 
If the derivative is graphed, it can be seen that after an approximate value of [tex]2[/tex], the derivative gets very close to [tex]0[/tex].
This is the solution i got for the problem:
[tex] \frac{d}{dx}arccsc(x) + \sqrt{arctan(x^2 - 1)} = \frac{-1}{x\sqrt{x^2 - 1}} + \frac{x}{((x^2 - 1)^2 + 1)\sqrt{arctan(x^2 - 1)}}[/tex].
 

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