How to Use the Chain Rule for Derivatives with sqrt(tan(sin^2 x))?

In summary, we used the chain rule to find the derivative of the function, y = square root of tangent of sine squared x, and after some simplification, we arrived at the derivative of 1/2 times the square root of tangent to the power of negative 1/2 of sine squared x, multiplied by the derivative of sine squared x, which is 2 times sine x times cosine x. This can be further simplified by canceling out the 1/2 and 2, resulting in the final derivative of the square root of tangent to the power of negative 1/2 of sine squared x, multiplied by sine x times cosine x.
  • #1
jkeatin
66
0

Homework Statement


y= squareroot tan(sin^2 x)


Homework Equations


chain rule



The Attempt at a Solution


f(x)= sqaureroot tan x
g(x)= (sinx)^2
f'(x)=1/2 sec^2x ^1/2
g'(x)= 2 * sinx * cosx

I don't know if my f'(x) is right if it is then do i just do the chain rule?
 
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  • #2
[tex]F(x)=\sqrt{\tan{\sin^2 x}}[/tex]

[tex]f(x)=\sqrt x[/tex]
[tex]g(x)=\tan x[/tex]
[tex]h(x)=\sin^2 x[/tex]

[tex]F(x)=f\{g[h(x)]\}[/tex]
 
  • #3
jkeatin said:

Homework Statement


y= squareroot tan(sin^2 x)


Homework Equations


chain rule

The Attempt at a Solution


f(x)= sqaureroot tan x
g(x)= (sinx)^2
f'(x)=1/2 sec^2x ^1/2
g'(x)= 2 * sinx * cosx

I don't know if my f'(x) is right if it is then do i just do the chain rule?
I'm afraid your f'(x) isn't correct, your g'(x) however is. There is no harm in using the chain rule one more time to make life a little easier. For example, let:

[tex]g(x) = \sin^2x[/tex]

[tex]f(g) = \tan\left(g\right)[/tex]

[tex]h(f) = \sqrt{f}[/tex]

Then,

[tex]\frac{d}{dx}\sqrt{\tan\left(\sin^2x\right)} = \frac{dh}{df}\frac{df}{dg}\frac{dg}{dx}[/tex]

Do you follow?

Edit: It seems I was beaten to it.
 
Last edited:
  • #4
yeah kinda

1/2x(-1/2)tan(sin^2x)[sec^2x(sin^2x)](2sinxcosx)



is that makin any progress?
 
  • #5
jkeatin said:
yeah kinda

1/2x(-1/2)tan(sin^2x)[sec^2x(sin^2x)](2sinxcosx)



is that makin any progress?
You're not far off. Are you sure that x should be an x?
 
  • #6
is it just 1/2tan(sin^2x)

i just thought because f'(x)= 1/2x-1/2
 
  • #7
jkeatin said:
is it just 1/2tan(sin^2x)
Correct, instead of:

[tex]\frac{1}{2}x^{-1/2}\ldots[/tex]

it should be

[tex]\frac{1}{2}\tan^{-1/2}\left(\sin^2x\right)\ldots[/tex]
jkeatin said:
i just thought because f'(x)= 1/2x-1/2
No it isn't.
 
Last edited:
  • #8
1/2tan^1/2(sin^2x)[sec^2x(sin^2x)](2sinxcosx)
thats it?
 
  • #9
jkeatin said:
1/2tan^1/2(sin^2x)[sec^2x(sin^2x)](2sinxcosx)
thats it?
Careful with your exponent of the tangent, and don't forget that you can cancel the 1/2 with the 2.
 
  • #10
tan^-1/2(sinx)...
 
  • #11
or you mean the 2 in 2sinxcosx
 
  • #12
tan^-1/2(sin^2x)[sec^2x(sin^2x)](sinxcosx)
 
  • #13
jkeatin said:
tan^-1/2(sin^2x)[sec^2x(sin^2x)](sinxcosx)
Spot on :approve:
 
  • #14
thanks for the help dude
 
  • #15
jkeatin said:
thanks for the help dude
No problem :smile:
 

What is the chain rule in calculus?

The chain rule in calculus is a method for finding the derivative of a composite function. It states that the derivative of a composite function is equal to the derivative of the outer function multiplied by the derivative of the inner function.

How do you use the chain rule to find derivatives?

To use the chain rule to find derivatives, you first identify the inner and outer functions. Then, take the derivative of the outer function and multiply it by the derivative of the inner function. This will give you the derivative of the composite function.

Why is the chain rule important?

The chain rule is important because it allows us to find the derivative of complex functions by breaking them down into simpler parts. This makes it a useful tool in many areas of mathematics, physics, and engineering.

What are some common mistakes when applying the chain rule?

Some common mistakes when applying the chain rule include forgetting to take the derivative of the outer function and not properly identifying the inner and outer functions. It is also important to carefully apply the chain rule when dealing with multiple nested functions.

Can the chain rule be applied to any type of function?

Yes, the chain rule can be applied to any type of function as long as it is a composite function. This means that the function is made up of two or more functions, with one function inside the other.

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