How Do You Calculate Derivatives for Trigonometric and Exponential Functions?

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In summary, the conversation discusses finding derivatives of various functions using the chain rule and product rule. The first problem involves finding the derivative of 1/2e^x - 3sinx, and the second problem involves finding the derivative of 2e^x/(x^2 + 1). The conversation also touches on simplifying derivatives and using trigonometric identities to make the process easier. Overall, the correct derivative for x^2tan^2x is (xsec^2x + tanx) * 2(xtanx).
  • #1
BuBbLeS01
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The first problem is...
y = 1/2 e^x - 3 sinx
Derivative = 1/2e^x - 3 cosx * 1
Is that right? I wasn't sure about the 1/2.

The second problem I have is...
f(x) = (2e^x)/(x^2 + 1)
I am not sure what the derivative of 2e^x is...is it just 2e^x?
(x^2 + 1)(2e^x) - (2e^x)(2x)/(x^2 + 1)^2

We don't have to simplify.
 
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  • #2
the first one's right.

and so is the second one.

if you have 2e^x the 2 is just a constant so it's the same as 2*d(e^x)/dx
 
  • #3
BuBbLeS01 said:
We don't have to simplify.
:O even on the test? either way it's good practice to simplify.
 
  • #4
Thank you guys. No he doesn't want us to simplify on tests either because it is easier to grade for him...hehe.
 
  • #5
So for 2 sinxcosx the derivative would be...
(2cosxcosx)*(-sinx)
 
  • #6
And for x^2 tanx^2 you would treat that as 3 separate derivatives?
(2x) * (sec^2x^2) * (2x)
 
  • #7
BuBbLeS01 said:
So for 2 sinxcosx the derivative would be...
(2cosxcosx)*(-sinx)
what trig identity could you use?

2sinxcosx=? by doing that, your derivative becomes much easier.
 
  • #8
BuBbLeS01 said:
And for x^2 tanx^2 you would treat that as 3 separate derivatives?
(2x) * (sec^2x^2) * (2x)
3? i only see the product rule

[tex]x^{2}\tan^2{x}[/tex]

correct?
 
  • #9
rocophysics said:
what trig identity could you use?

2sinxcosx=? by doing that, your derivative becomes much easier.
Trig identity is sin2x right?
(cos2x) * (2)
 
  • #10
rocophysics said:
3? i only see the product rule

[tex]x^{2}\tan^2{x}[/tex]

correct?
Yea that's right. I thought you took the derivative of x^2 then tan x^2 and x^2
 
  • #11
BuBbLeS01 said:
Yea that's right. I thought you took the derivative of x^2 then tan x^2 and x^2
i think you mean you will need to do the chain rule

if so, that is correct
 
  • #12
rocophysics said:
i think you mean you will need to do the chain rule

if so, that is correct
Oh yes the chain rule, sorry. So this is correct...
(2x) * (sec^2x^2) * (2x)
 
  • #13
BuBbLeS01 said:
Oh yes the chain rule, sorry. So this is correct...
(2x) * (sec^2x^2) * (2x)
no! what book are you using?

[tex]x^{2}\tan^{2}x[/tex]

can be re-written as

[tex]x^{2}(\tan{x})^2[/tex]

how do you differentiate and apply the chain rule to tanx?
 
  • #14
Oh okay forgot about that...
2x(tanx)^2 * (sec^2x)^2
do you also multiply by 2(tanx) or no.
 
  • #15
BuBbLeS01 said:
Oh okay forgot about that...
2x(tanx)^2 * (sec^2x)^2
do you also multiply by 2(tanx) or no.
differentiating and applying the chain rule to (tanx)^2

[tex]2\tan{x}\sec^2{x}[/tex]
 
  • #16
Okay so the final answer would be...
(2x(tanx)^2) * 2(tanx sec^2x)
 
  • #17
BuBbLeS01 said:
Okay so the final answer would be...
(2x(tanx)^2) * 2(tanx sec^2x)
it shouldn't be times, it should be + ? (product rule)
 
  • #18
I thought you said to use the chain rule?
 
  • #19
BuBbLeS01 said:
I thought you said to use the chain rule?
were you giving me the answer to x^2tan^2x or just tan^2x?

if you were giving the overall answer, then it's still incorrect.
 
  • #20
the tan x^2
overall answer being...
(2x) + 2(tanx sec^2x)
 
  • #21
is that right now?
 
  • #22
can someone let me know if that is right?
 
  • #23
BuBbLeS01 said:
the tan x^2
overall answer being...
(2x) + 2(tanx sec^2x)
no it is still wrong.
 
  • #24
I don't understand then what I am doing wrong.
 
  • #25
[tex]y=x^2tan^2x = x^2(tanx)^2 = (xtanx)^2 [/tex]

[tex]let u = xtanx[/tex] then use the product rule to find [tex]\frac{du}{dx}[/tex] and then use the chain rule
 
  • #26
so (xsec^2x + tanx) * 2(xtanx)
 
  • #27
BuBbLeS01 said:
so (xsec^2x + tanx) * 2(xtanx)

that would appear to be correct from what I can see
 
  • #28
BuBbLeS01 said:
so (xsec^2x + tanx) * 2(xtanx)
yep, since your teacher doesn't want you to simplify further
 

Related to How Do You Calculate Derivatives for Trigonometric and Exponential Functions?

What is a derivative?

A derivative is a mathematical concept that represents the rate of change of a function at a given point. It is calculated by finding the slope of the tangent line at that point.

Why do we need to find derivatives?

Derivatives are useful for solving problems involving rates of change, optimization, and curve sketching. They also have applications in physics, economics, engineering, and many other fields.

How do you find the derivative of a function?

The derivative of a function can be found using several methods, such as the power rule, product rule, quotient rule, and chain rule. It involves taking the limit of the difference quotient as the change in the independent variable approaches zero.

What is the notation used for derivatives?

The most common notation for derivatives is the "prime" notation, where f'(x) represents the derivative of the function f(x). Other notations include Leibniz's notation (dy/dx) and Lagrange's notation (Df(x)).

Are there any rules for finding derivatives?

Yes, there are several rules for finding derivatives, such as the power rule, product rule, quotient rule, and chain rule. These rules make it easier to find the derivative of more complex functions by breaking them down into simpler parts.

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