Derivative of tan^4(3x) - Solving a Simple Derivative Question

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SUMMARY

The derivative of tan^4(3x) is calculated using the generalized power rule. The correct derivative is 4*tan(3x)^3*sec^2(3x)*(3). The initial confusion arose from misinterpreting the application of the power rule and the chain rule. The teacher's initial expression was incomplete, lacking the proper application of these rules.

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What is the derivative of:
tan^4(3x)

The teacher wrote 4TAN^3(x) + sec^2(3x)(3) but i think he made a mistake.

I know that tan^4(3x) = tan(3x)^4 and that this equals 4tan(3x) in algebra
When I derive this i get the following: sec^2(3x)(3) I'm not sure what to do with the coefficient 4. Can someone give me the exact derivative formula to work this term out so I can copy it down please.

thanks
 
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nevermind i got it. You need to use the generalized power rule:
[u(x)]^n => n*u^(n-1)*u'
so
tan(3x)^4 => 4*tan(3x)^3*sec^2(3x)(3)
 

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