How to Use the Chain Rule for Derivatives with sqrt(tan(sin^2 x))?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the derivative of the function \( y = \sqrt{\tan(\sin^2 x)} \) using the chain rule. Participants are exploring the application of the chain rule in the context of derivatives involving nested functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to differentiate the function by breaking it down into component functions and applying the chain rule. There are questions regarding the correctness of derivatives calculated for the individual functions involved.

Discussion Status

Some participants are providing feedback on the correctness of derivatives, while others are clarifying their understanding of the chain rule's application. There is an ongoing exchange of ideas about the proper formulation of the derivatives and the steps involved.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of uncertainty regarding the derivatives of the functions involved, particularly concerning the notation and the application of the chain rule. Participants are also questioning the assumptions made in their calculations.

jkeatin
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Homework Statement


y= squareroot tan(sin^2 x)


Homework Equations


chain rule



The Attempt at a Solution


f(x)= sqaureroot tan x
g(x)= (sinx)^2
f'(x)=1/2 sec^2x ^1/2
g'(x)= 2 * sinx * cosx

I don't know if my f'(x) is right if it is then do i just do the chain rule?
 
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[tex]F(x)=\sqrt{\tan{\sin^2 x}}[/tex]

[tex]f(x)=\sqrt x[/tex]
[tex]g(x)=\tan x[/tex]
[tex]h(x)=\sin^2 x[/tex]

[tex]F(x)=f\{g[h(x)]\}[/tex]
 
jkeatin said:

Homework Statement


y= squareroot tan(sin^2 x)


Homework Equations


chain rule

The Attempt at a Solution


f(x)= sqaureroot tan x
g(x)= (sinx)^2
f'(x)=1/2 sec^2x ^1/2
g'(x)= 2 * sinx * cosx

I don't know if my f'(x) is right if it is then do i just do the chain rule?
I'm afraid your f'(x) isn't correct, your g'(x) however is. There is no harm in using the chain rule one more time to make life a little easier. For example, let:

[tex]g(x) = \sin^2x[/tex]

[tex]f(g) = \tan\left(g\right)[/tex]

[tex]h(f) = \sqrt{f}[/tex]

Then,

[tex]\frac{d}{dx}\sqrt{\tan\left(\sin^2x\right)} = \frac{dh}{df}\frac{df}{dg}\frac{dg}{dx}[/tex]

Do you follow?

Edit: It seems I was beaten to it.
 
Last edited:
yeah kinda

1/2x(-1/2)tan(sin^2x)[sec^2x(sin^2x)](2sinxcosx)



is that makin any progress?
 
jkeatin said:
yeah kinda

1/2x(-1/2)tan(sin^2x)[sec^2x(sin^2x)](2sinxcosx)



is that makin any progress?
You're not far off. Are you sure that x should be an x?
 
is it just 1/2tan(sin^2x)

i just thought because f'(x)= 1/2x-1/2
 
jkeatin said:
is it just 1/2tan(sin^2x)
Correct, instead of:

[tex]\frac{1}{2}x^{-1/2}\ldots[/tex]

it should be

[tex]\frac{1}{2}\tan^{-1/2}\left(\sin^2x\right)\ldots[/tex]
jkeatin said:
i just thought because f'(x)= 1/2x-1/2
No it isn't.
 
Last edited:
1/2tan^1/2(sin^2x)[sec^2x(sin^2x)](2sinxcosx)
thats it?
 
jkeatin said:
1/2tan^1/2(sin^2x)[sec^2x(sin^2x)](2sinxcosx)
thats it?
Careful with your exponent of the tangent, and don't forget that you can cancel the 1/2 with the 2.
 
  • #10
tan^-1/2(sinx)...
 
  • #11
or you mean the 2 in 2sinxcosx
 
  • #12
tan^-1/2(sin^2x)[sec^2x(sin^2x)](sinxcosx)
 
  • #13
jkeatin said:
tan^-1/2(sin^2x)[sec^2x(sin^2x)](sinxcosx)
Spot on :approve:
 
  • #14
thanks for the help dude
 
  • #15
jkeatin said:
thanks for the help dude
No problem :smile:
 

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