Derivative of y(x)=sin x: \cos x

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SUMMARY

The derivative of the function y(x) = sin x is determined using the limit definition of the derivative. The process involves applying the limit as h approaches 0 to the expression (sin(x+h) - sin x) / h, which simplifies to sin x (cos h - 1) / h + cos x (sin h) / h. As h approaches 0, the limit of sin h / h approaches 1, while the limit of (cos h - 1) / h approaches 0. Thus, the derivative is conclusively cos x.

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abstrakt!
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I am studying this from a book I found online, and I need a little bit of help.

Homework Statement


Find the derivative when y(x)=\sin x

The Attempt at a Solution



\frac{dy}{dx} \ = \ limit \ of \ \frac {\Delta y}{\Delta x} \ = \ \lim h \rightarrow 0 \ \frac{\sin(x+h)-\sin x}{h}

\sin(x+h)=\sin x \cos h + \cos x \sin h

\frac{\Delta y}{\Delta x} \ = \ \frac {\sin x \cos h + \cos x \sin h-\sin x}{h} \ = \ \sin x ( \frac{\cos h-1}{h}) + \cos x (\frac{\sin h}{h})
 
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now take the limit as h→0, what does sinh/h tend to? and what does (cosh-1)/h tend to?
 
Strictly speaking, how you do that depends upon what your definitions of "sine" and "cosine" are- and there are several possible. What definitions are you using?
 

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