How can I simplify inverse trig derivatives with fractions?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on simplifying derivatives of inverse trigonometric functions involving fractions, specifically arcsin and arctan. The user struggles with applying the chain rule and correctly manipulating algebraic expressions to arrive at simplified forms. An example using arctan demonstrates how to differentiate and simplify the expression step-by-step, highlighting the importance of finding a common denominator. The final result is achieved by recognizing that dividing by a fraction is equivalent to multiplying by its reciprocal. Understanding these algebraic principles is crucial for successfully simplifying such derivatives.
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hi,
my problem is i have equations like determine the derivative of:

a. arcsin 1/x
b. arcsin x^(1/2)
c. arcsin x^(-1/2)
etc etc.

and i have the formulas for the trigs such as:

d/dx arcsinf(x) = 1/(1-f(x)^2)^1/2 x f'(x) and i have the arcos and asrctan one.

but when i put f(x) into the equations eg:

arcsin^(1/2):

1/ (1-x^1/2)^1/2 x 1/2x^-1/2

i can never get the answer i know I am multiplying wrong and possibly using the powers wrong because and example the teacher used was:

y = arctan 3/x^2 find y'

f(x) = 3x^-2
f'(x) = -6x^-3

y'= 1/1+(3x^-2)^2 x (-6x^-3)

therefore: y' = -6x/ x^4 + 9

how did he get the final answer from y'= 1/1+(3x^-2)^2 x (-6x^-3)? I am totaly confused I've been trying to work it out for days any help would be appreciated thanks
 
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y = arctan\left(\frac{3}{x^2}\right)

\frac{d}{dx} arctan(x) = \frac{1}{1+x^2}}

By chain rule

\frac{d}{dx} arctan(f(x)) = \frac{f'(x)}{1+f(x)^2}}

f(x) = \frac{3}{x^2} \Rightarrow \frac{d}{dx} f(x) = \frac{-6}{x^3}

\frac{d}{dx} arctan\left(\frac{3}{x^2}\right) = \frac{\frac{-6}{x^3}}{1+\left(\frac{9}{x^4}\right)} This is a correct answer, but can be simplified to:

\frac{-6}{x^3+\frac{9}{x}} = \frac{-6}{\frac{x^4+9}{x}} = \frac{-6x}{x^4+9}
 
whozum said:
\frac{-6}{x^3+\frac{9}{x}} = \frac{-6}{\frac{x^4+9}{x}} = \frac{-6x}{x^4+9}

i don't understand why it become x^4 here? i understand the whole thing up to this point?
 
a+(b/c)
= (ac/c) + (b/c) ... (since c/c = 1)
= (ac+b)/c

-- AI
 
\frac{d}{dx} arctan\left(\frac{3}{x^2}\right) = \frac{\frac{-6}{x^3}}{1+\left(\frac{9}{x^4}\right)}

\frac{\frac{-6}{x^3}}{1+\left(\frac{9}{x^4}\right)} \times \frac{x^3}{x^3} = \frac{\frac{-6}{x^3}x^3}{(1+\left(\frac{9}{x^4}\right))x^3} = \frac{-6}{x^3+\frac{9}{x}}

Then make a common denominator for the bottom, x^3 = x^4/x [/tex]<br /> <br /> \frac{-6}{x^3+\frac{9}{x}} = \frac{-6}{\frac{x^4}{x} + \frac{9}{x}}.<br /> <br /> Combine fractiosn with a common denominator.<br /> <br /> \frac{-6}{\frac{x^4+9}{x}} <br /> <br /> Dividing is the same as multiplying by the reciprocal.<br /> <br /> \frac{-6}{\frac{x^4+9}{x}} = -6 \times \frac{x}{x^4+9} and you get the final result. This is basic algebra.
 
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