Derive cos'x from cos(A)-cos(B)

  • Thread starter Karol
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I deleted the extra line.In summary, the formula for the derivative of cos(x) can be developed from the definition by using the equation ##~\cos\alpha-\cos\beta~## and applying the limit definition. This results in the formula ##~\cos'x=-\sin x~##.
  • #1
Karol
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Homework Statement


Use ##~\cos\alpha-\cos\beta~## to develop the formula for the derivative of cos(x) from the definition:
$$\frac{d(\cos x)}{dx}=\lim\frac{\cos(x+\Delta x)-\cos x}{\Delta x}$$

Homework Equations


$$\cos\alpha-\cos\beta=(-2)\sin\left( \frac{\alpha+\beta}{2} \right)\cdot \sin\left( \frac{\alpha-\beta}{2} \right)$$
$$\lim\frac{\sin x}{x}=1$$

The Attempt at a Solution


$$\lim\frac{\cos(x+\Delta x)-\cos x}{\Delta x}=...=(-2)\lim\frac{\sin\left( \frac{2x+\Delta x}{2} \right)}{\Delta x}\lim\frac{\sin\left( \frac{\Delta x}{2} \right)}{\Delta x}$$
Even if i could use ##~\lim\frac{\sin x}{X}=1~##, which would eliminate the second member, i can't deal with the first member.
 
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  • #2
Karol said:

Homework Statement


Use ##~\cos\alpha-\cos\beta~## to develop the formula for the derivative of cos(x) from the definition:
$$\frac{d(\cos x)}{dx}=\lim\frac{\cos(x+\Delta x)-\cos x}{\Delta x}$$

Homework Equations


$$\cos\alpha-\cos\beta=(-2)\sin\left( \frac{\alpha+\beta}{2} \right)\cdot \sin\left( \frac{\alpha-\beta}{2} \right)$$
$$\lim\frac{\sin x}{x}=1$$

The Attempt at a Solution


$$\lim\frac{\cos(x+\Delta x)-\cos x}{\Delta x}=...=(-2)\lim\frac{\sin\left( \frac{2x+\Delta x}{2} \right)}{\Delta x}\lim\frac{\sin\left( \frac{\Delta x}{2} \right)}{\Delta x}$$
Even if i could use ##~\lim\frac{\sin x}{X}=1~##, which would eliminate the second member, i can't deal with the first member.
You divide by Δx too many times.
 
  • #3
$$\lim\frac{\cos(x+\Delta x)-\cos x}{\Delta x}=(-2)\lim\frac{\sin\left( \frac{x+\Delta x+x}{2}\right)\sin\left( \frac{\Delta x}{2} \right)}{\Delta x}$$
$$=(-2)\lim \sin\left( \frac{2x+\Delta x}{2} \right)\lim\frac{\sin\left( \frac{\Delta x}{2} \right)}{\Delta x}$$
$$u=\frac{\Delta x}{2}, ~~\lim\frac{\sin\left( \frac{\Delta x}{2} \right)}{\Delta x}=\lim\frac{\sin u}{2u}=\frac{1}{2}$$
$$\cos'x=-\sin x$$
 
Last edited:
  • #4
Karol said:
$$\lim\frac{\cos(x+\Delta x)-\cos x}{\Delta x}=(-2)\lim\frac{\sin\left( \frac{x+\Delta x+x}{2}\right)\sin\left( \frac{\Delta x}{2} \right)}{\Delta x}$$
$$=(-2)\lim \sin\left( \frac{2x+\Delta x}{2} \right)\lim\frac{\sin\left( \frac{\Delta x}{2} \right)}{\Delta x}$$
$$u=\frac{\Delta x}{2}, ~~\lim\frac{\sin\left( \frac{\Delta x}{2} \right)}{\Delta x}=\lim\frac{\sin u}{2u}=\frac{1}{2}$$
$$\cos'x=-\sin x$$
OK.
 

1. How do you derive cos'x from cos(A)-cos(B)?

To derive cos'x from cos(A)-cos(B), we use the trigonometric identity cos(A)-cos(B) = -2sin((A+B)/2)sin((A-B)/2). Then, we take the derivative of both sides with respect to x, giving us cos'x = -2sin((A+B)/2)cos((A-B)/2)(d(A-B)/dx).

2. Why is cos'x used in the derivation process?

Cos'x is used in the derivation process because we are taking the derivative of the cosine function, which is represented by cos'x. This allows us to find the rate of change of the cosine function with respect to x.

3. What is the purpose of using the trigonometric identity in the derivation process?

The trigonometric identity allows us to simplify the expression cos(A)-cos(B) into a form that is easier to take the derivative of. This helps us to find the derivative of cos'x more efficiently.

4. Can the same process be used for other trigonometric functions?

Yes, the same process can be used for other trigonometric functions such as sin'x and tan'x. We would use the respective trigonometric identities for these functions in the derivation process.

5. How can this derivation be applied in real-life situations?

The derivation of cos'x from cos(A)-cos(B) is useful in many fields of science and engineering, such as physics and signal processing. It can be used to study the behavior of waves, oscillations, and vibrations. It can also be used to analyze and design circuits and filters.

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