Differentiating trigonometric F'ns with double angles

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around differentiating the function sin(tan(2x)) with respect to x, focusing on the application of differentiation rules, particularly the chain rule and the derivative of the tangent function.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore whether the derivative of tan(2x) can be directly applied as sec^2(2x) and question the necessity of converting to sine and cosine. There is also discussion about the correct application of the chain rule in the context of the original function.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, identifying errors in differentiation techniques, and suggesting that a more careful examination of the derivative of tan(2x) is needed. Some guidance has been offered regarding the application of the chain rule, but no consensus has been reached on the correct approach.

Contextual Notes

There is an indication of potential confusion regarding the application of differentiation rules and the complexity of the function being differentiated, which may affect the clarity of the discussion.

Feodalherren
Messages
604
Reaction score
6

Homework Statement


Sin(tan(2x))
With respect to x


Homework Equations


Differentiation


The Attempt at a Solution



My question is whether I can simply use d/dx (Tan x) = Sec^2(X) to extrapolate that to d/dx(tan 2x) = Sec^2(2x) ?

Or do I have to convert to sine/cosine and go from there?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Well,

You I want to point out that (tan2x)' does not equal to sec^2(2x). (Error in technique).

However, the generally idea isn ok (assuming you using the chain rule in regards to sin(tan(2x)).
 
So this problem can't be solved by using the chain rule thusly:

d/dx Sin(tan 2x) = cos(tan2x)Sec^2(2x)?

It turns into:

Sin(tan 2x) (2)d/dx [sinxcosx / (cos^2(X) - Sin^2(x))]quotient rule etc... damn this is going to be messy. Am I on the right track at least?
 
Last edited:
"d/dx Sin(tan 2x) = cos(tan2x)Sec^2(2x)?"

This is essentially correct, but you're making an error when you take the derivative of tan2x. I'm hoping you look at that part just a little harder and figure out what that error exactly is.
 
d/dx tan 2x = [sec^2 (2x)] (2)

?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
28
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K