Find the derivative of function with respect to x

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the derivative of the function y = sin^-1((x-1)/(x+1)). Participants are exploring the correct interpretation of the function and the steps involved in differentiating it.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to differentiate the function using the chain rule but expresses confusion over obtaining a derivative of zero. Other participants question the interpretation of the function as either sin or arcsin and discuss the implications of this distinction on the derivative.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in clarifying the function's notation and the correctness of the differentiation steps. Some have pointed out potential errors in the original poster's calculations and the need for proper bracket placement. There is no explicit consensus yet on the correct approach or interpretation.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of missing brackets in the original function, which may affect the differentiation process. Participants are also discussing the implications of interpreting sin^-1 as arcsin, which could lead to different derivative results.

togo
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Find the derivative of function with respect to x

y = sin^-1 (x-1/x+1)

Steps I took:
= sin(x-1/x+1)^-1
u = sin(x-1/x+1)
u' = cos u * u'
u = x-1/x+1
u' = t'b - tb'/b^2

t = x-1
b = x+1
t' = 1
b' = 1
b^2 = (x+1)(x+1) = x^2+2x+1
u' = (1)(x+1) - (x-1)(1)/x^2+2x+1
u' = x+1-x-1 / x^2+2x+1
u' = 0 !

how can it be zero? something has gone wrong here.

The answer to the question of 1/(x^(1/2) (x+1))

Thank you
 
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There are missing brackets: x-1/x+1 is ##x-\frac{1}{x}+1##. I think you mean (x-1)/(x+1), or ##\frac{x-1}{x+1}##.
u' = ((1)(x+1) - (x-1)(1))/(x^2+2x+1)
u' = (x+1-x-1) / (x^2+2x+1)
(I added brackets here)
This step is wrong, check the signs in the numerator.
 
Is the initial function sin or arcsin?

If it is arcsin, I don't think you have the correct derivative.
 
how would you tell the difference? (sin/arcsin)
 
togo said:
how would you tell the difference? (sin/arcsin)
sin-1 x is the same as arcsin x. I'm assuming that your original function is
y = sin^{-1}\left( \frac{x-1}{x+1} \right)
so that looks like arcsin. Of course, the derivative of arcsin is not cosine.
 

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