Differentiation of Trig Functions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the differentiation of a product involving the function \(y = x \tan x\). Participants are exploring the application of differentiation rules, particularly in the context of trigonometric functions.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the differentiation of the product of \(x\) and \(\tan x\), questioning the application of the product rule and the treatment of \(x\) as a variable rather than a constant.

Discussion Status

Some participants have pointed out the necessity of using the product rule for differentiation, which the original poster initially overlooked. There is an acknowledgment of the misunderstanding, and the discussion is moving towards clarifying the correct approach.

Contextual Notes

The original poster references a standard differential formula but does not apply it correctly due to the nature of the variables involved. The discussion highlights the importance of recognizing variable dependencies in differentiation.

Hootenanny
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The question is as follows:
Find [tex]\frac{dy}{dx} \; \; \; xtanx \; \; \; dx[/tex]
The standard differential is given in the formula book as
[tex]f(x) = \tan kx \Rightarrow f'(x) = k\sec^2 kx[/tex]
Therefore, I got:
[tex]\frac{dy}{dx} = x \sec^2 x[/tex]
However, the answer given is
[tex]\tan x + x \sec^2 x[/tex]
I can't see where I've gone wrong, it seems like such a simple differential. Any help would be much appreciated.
 
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Have you heard of differentiation of products? Namely,

[tex]\frac{d}{dx}f(x)g(x)=f'(x)g(x)+f(x)g'(x)[/tex]
 
The [itex]x[/itex] isn't a constant that can be left out when you differentiate. You need to use the product rule on the two terms [itex]x[/itex] and [itex]\tan(x)[/itex]
 
what the book gave has k as a constant, in your problem x is not a constant. you need to use the product rule.
 
Oh yes. I release what I've done now. Thank's.
 

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