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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around deriving the derivative of the cosine function, specifically using the identity for the difference of cosines, ##\cos\alpha - \cos\beta##, to develop the formula for ##\frac{d(\cos x)}{dx}## from its definition. Participants are exploring the limits and trigonometric identities involved in this derivation.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to apply the limit definition of the derivative and the cosine difference identity to derive ##\cos'x##. There are discussions about handling the limits and the implications of using the identity correctly. Some participants express uncertainty about managing the limits and the division by ##\Delta x##.

Discussion Status

There are multiple attempts to manipulate the limit expression, with some participants successfully applying the limit of sine functions. However, there is no explicit consensus on the final form of the derivative, as some participants are still questioning the steps involved in the derivation.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of using the definition of the derivative and specific trigonometric identities. There is a repeated emphasis on the limit process and the potential pitfalls of dividing by ##\Delta x## too many times.

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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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.
 
$$\lim\frac{\cos(x+\Delta x)-\cos x}{\Delta x}=(-2)\lim\frac{\sin\left( \frac{x+\Delta x+x}{2}\right)\sin\left( \frac{\Delta x}{2} \right)}{\Delta x}$$
$$=(-2)\lim \sin\left( \frac{2x+\Delta x}{2} \right)\lim\frac{\sin\left( \frac{\Delta x}{2} \right)}{\Delta x}$$
$$u=\frac{\Delta x}{2}, ~~\lim\frac{\sin\left( \frac{\Delta x}{2} \right)}{\Delta x}=\lim\frac{\sin u}{2u}=\frac{1}{2}$$
$$\cos'x=-\sin x$$
 
Last edited:
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.
 

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