Derivative of y=sin^2x: Need Help!

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The discussion centers on finding the derivative of the function y = sin^2(x). The original poster initially applied the product rule incorrectly, resulting in y' = 2(sin x)(cos x), while the correct answer involves using the double angle identity to simplify it to sin(2x). Participants clarify that the notation sin^2(x) means to square the sine of x, not to multiply sine by x. The confusion stems from a misunderstanding of trigonometric notation and identities. Ultimately, the correct approach involves recognizing the identity to simplify the derivative correctly.
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Hi there. Need a bit of help~

y=sin^(2)x

So the equation reads y equals sine squared times x

Anyway, my teacher told me that in cases like these, you can move the exponent "outside," so that the equation can be written as y=(sinx)^2.

So on to getting the derivative of the equation:

I did the package rule, so y'=2(sinx)cosx

Unfortunately, the answer on the worksheet I have is sin2x. No cosine. Am I not supoosed to do the package rule?? Or could it be simplified?? Or am I just doing something else wrong completely?

Help~ TT__TT
 
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Have a look at the common trig identities :smile: Shouldnt be hard to see how they got to the next step.
 
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You're answer is right, but as danago said look at some trig identities, and it should seem very clear :P
 
Heh... after staring at some trig identities that I've never saw before for about 20 minutes, I finally got it through my thick head what you guys were talking about... X/ Oh dear... Thanks a bunch!
 
First of all sin^2(x) does not read "y equals sine squared times x"! That's either very sloppy wording or you are completely misunderstanding. That notation means "First find sine of x. Then square hat." You are certainly not multiplying "sine" (which is a function not a value) by anything.
 
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