Get Help with Midterm Calculus Questions from a First Year Student

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A first-year calculus student seeks help with midterm questions, specifically calculating the derivative of tan(x) at x=π/6 without using the tan addition formula. The discussion highlights the importance of showing work and using LaTeX for clarity in mathematical expressions. Participants clarify that the derivative of tan(x) is sec²(x), leading to the conclusion that sec²(π/6) equals 4/3. The student confirms their understanding of the calculations, indicating they are on the right track with the problem-solving process. Overall, the conversation emphasizes collaborative learning and the application of calculus concepts.
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Hello everyone!

I have a calculus midterm next week and I need some help solving old midterm questions. I'm a first year calculus student so they're not hard, but I can't figure them out!

I am told to solve without using the tan addition formula.
 

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problem number 2
 

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Since:
tan(\frac{\pi}{6})=\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}
the question merely asks you to calculate the derivative of tan(x) at x=\frac{\pi}{6}
 
For your other questions, show some of your own work on these.
 
Sure, but how do I use the code thing? Or is there an easy way to type out the work I have?
 
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toosm:)ey said:
Sure, but how do I use the code thing? Or is there an easy way to type out the work I have?
Click on a given "LATEX" code to see how you generate it. There's a sticky in General Physics which tells you a bit about it.
 
\lim_{h\rightarrow0} \frac{1}{h}} (\frac{sin(h+(\pi/6))}{cos(h+(\pi/6))}} - \frac{1}{\sqrt3}})

\lim_{h\rightarrow0} \frac{1}{h}} (\frac{sin(x)cos(\pi/6) + cos(x)sin(\pi/6)}{cos(x)cos(\pi/6) + sin(x)sin(\pi/6)}} - \frac{1}{\sqrt3}})

\lim_{h\rightarrow0} \frac{1}{h}} (\frac{sin(x)(\sqrt3/2) + cos(x)(1/2)}{cos(x)(\sqrt3/2) + sin(x)(1/2)}} - \frac{1}{\sqrt3}})

\lim_{h\rightarrow0} \frac{1}{h}} ({\frac{\sqrt3sin(x) + cos(x)}{{\sqrt3cos(x) +sin(x)}} - \frac{1}{\sqrt3}})

\lim_{h\rightarrow0} \frac{1}{h}} (\frac{2sin(x)}{3cos(x) + \sqrt3sin(x)})

Wow, that latex is hard to code... I think I have it now though.

This is asfar as I can go with this problem, from here, I am confused.
 
you're making it way to diffcult, lim(h->0) 1/h * (tan(Pi/6 + h)-1/sqrt(3)) is also lim(h->0) 1/h * (tan(Pi/6 + h)-tan(Pi/6)), lim(h->0) 1/h * f(a+h)-f(a) is the differential of f in a, so you really just need to calculate tan's differential in Pi/6
 
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Okay, that makes sense and therefore:

\lim_{h\rightarrow0^+} \frac{1}{h}} (\tan(h+(\pi/6))}- \frac{1}{\sqrt3}})

equals

\lim_{h\rightarrow0^+} \frac{1}{h}} (\tan(h+(\pi/6))}- \tan(\frac{\pi}{6}}))

\frac{d}{dx}}\tan(x) = \sec^2(x)

\sec^2(\frac{\pi}{6}}) = \frac{4}{3}}

and


\lim_{h\rightarrow0^+} \frac{1}{h}} (\tan(h+(\pi/6))}- \frac{1}{\sqrt3}}) = \frac{4}{3}}

Is this true?
 
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yeah, that's what i meant
 
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