Hard Trignometric Derivative Problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the derivative of the function sin(tan(√(sin(x)))). The problem involves multiple layers of function composition, specifically trigonometric and square root functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the chain rule and whether the product rule is necessary. There is an emphasis on recognizing the nested functions and the correct approach to differentiate them.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on using the chain rule effectively, suggesting substitutions to simplify the differentiation process. There is an ongoing exploration of the correct derivatives of the nested functions, but no consensus has been reached on the final approach.

Contextual Notes

Multiple participants have reiterated the importance of understanding the composition of functions and have pointed out potential errors in the original attempts. There is a focus on ensuring clarity in the differentiation process without resolving the problem completely.

fernanhen
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Homework Statement



Find the derivative of sin(tan(square root of sinx))


Homework Equations



derivative of:

sin=cos
tan=sec squared
sinx=cosx

The Attempt at a Solution



cos(tan(square root of sinx))(sin(sec^2(1/2sinx)^-1/2(cosx))

So I did the derivative of the sin, left what's inside the parenthesis alone.

Then left sin alone, and did the chain rule inside. I'm not sure if I should also have used the product rule as well.

Help:cry:
 
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fernanhen said:

Homework Statement



Find the derivative of sin(tan(square root of sinx))

Homework Equations



derivative of:

sin=cos
tan=sec squared
sinx=cosx

The Attempt at a Solution



cos(tan(square root of sinx))(sin(sec^2(1/2sinx)^-1/2(cosx))

So I did the derivative of the sin, left what's inside the parenthesis alone.

[STRIKE]Then left sin alone[/STRIKE], and did the chain rule inside. I'm not sure if I should also have used the product rule as well.

Help:cry:
Drop the sine that I crossed out. There are other errors too.

\displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}f\left(g\left(h(x)\right)\right)= f'\left(g\left(h(x)\right)\right)\cdot g'\left(h(x)\right)\cdot h'(x)

Added in Edit:
There are four functions nested.

Therefore, \displaystyle \frac{d}{dx}w\left(f\left(g\left(h(x)\right)\right)\right)= w'\left(f\left(g\left(h(x)\right)\right)\right) \cdot f'\left(g\left(h(x)\right)\right)\cdot g'\left(h(x)\right)\cdot h'(x)
 
Last edited:
Nope, you don't need the product rule, because there is no multiplication of anything by anything else here. There are no products of functions. You have a composition of functions (i.e. a function of a function etc), which means that the chain rule is exactly what you need. To help keep track of everything, it might be useful to do some substitutions. Start with the innermost function and work your way out.

Let y = sin x

let u = √y

let v = tan u

let w = sin v

So we have a composition of functions since w = w(v) = w( v(u) ) = w( v( u(y) ) )

= w( v( u( y(x) ) ) )

It's function of a function of a function of a function. So the chain rule says that:$$\frac{dw}{dx} = \frac{dw}{dv}\frac{dv}{du}\frac{du}{dy}\frac{dy}{dx}$$So all you have to do is evaluate these four derivatives separately and then multiply them together.
 
Last edited:
fernanhen said:

Homework Statement



Find the derivative of sin(tan(square root of sinx))


Homework Equations



derivative of:

sin=cos
tan=sec squared
sinx=cosx

The Attempt at a Solution



cos(tan(square root of sinx))(sin(sec^2(1/2sinx)^-1/2(cosx))

So I did the derivative of the sin, left what's inside the parenthesis alone.

Then left sin alone, and did the chain rule inside. I'm not sure if I should also have used the product rule as well.

Help:cry:

Just do the multi-function chain rule (is that what its called?). Not the multi-variable chain rule, the multifunction chain rule.

dy/dt=dy/df df/dg dg/dh ... dp/dt
 

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