Really an easy question about derivative of arctan

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the derivative of the arctangent function, specifically the expression for the derivative and the geometric interpretation involving a right triangle. Participants explore different representations of the triangle and question the assumptions behind the choice of hypotenuse.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the derivative of arctan is 1/(x^2 + 1), referencing the trigonometric interpretation involving a triangle with hypotenuse sqrt(x^2 + 1).
  • Others propose considering a triangle where the hypotenuse is x instead of sqrt(x^2 + 1), questioning the necessity of the standard geometric representation.
  • A participant corrects a previous statement about the derivative, reiterating that it is indeed 1/(1 + x^2) and not involving a square root.
  • One participant expresses confusion about the choice of triangle configuration but later indicates they have resolved their uncertainty.
  • Another participant provides a detailed explanation of the triangle configuration used to derive the derivative, emphasizing the relationship between the sides and the angle y.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the appropriateness of using different triangle configurations for the derivative of arctan. Multiple viewpoints regarding the geometric interpretation remain present.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the triangle's configuration and the implications for the derivative are not fully explored, leaving room for further discussion on the validity of alternative representations.

kidsasd987
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https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/mathematics/18-01sc-single-variable-calculus-fall-2010/1.-differentiation/part-b-implicit-differentiation-and-inverse-functions/session-15-implicit-differentiation-and-inverse-functions/MIT18_01SCF10_Ses15b.pdfso derivative of arctan is 1/(x^2+1) and this is obvious since we are considering trigonometry of a triangle of which hypotenuse is sqrt(x^2+1).But can we consider its hypotenuse to be x instead of sqrt(x^2+1)? where cosy=1/x
 
Last edited:
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kidsasd987 said:
https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/mathematics/18-01sc-single-variable-calculus-fall-2010/1.-differentiation/part-b-implicit-differentiation-and-inverse-functions/session-15-implicit-differentiation-and-inverse-functions/MIT18_01SCF10_Ses15b.pdfso derivative of arctan is 1/sqrt(x^2+1) and this is obvious since we are considering trigonometry of a triangle of which hypotenuse is sqrt(x^2+1).But can we consider its hypotenuse to be x instead of sqrt(x^2+1)? where cosy=1/x

##\frac{d \arctan(x)}{dx} = \frac{1}{1+x^2}##, and not what you say.
 
Math_QED said:
##\frac{d \arctan(x)}{dx} = \frac{1}{1+x^2}##, and not what you say.

whoops sorry somehow I put it in sqrt.

Can you explain me why we are considering one specific trigonometry although we could consider a triangle of which hypotenuse is x and base is 1Ah please don't mind. I figured out.
 
Last edited:
kidsasd987 said:
But can we consider its hypotenuse to be x instead of sqrt(x^2+1)? where cosy=1/x

kidsasd987 said:
Ah please don't mind. I figured out.
I'm not sure what it is that you figured out, but here's the answer to your first question, above.
Let ##y = \arctan(x)##
An equivalent equation is ##\tan(y) = x##
The picture below shows a right triangle with one angle labeled y. Since ##\tan(y) = x##, it's reasonable to label the opposite side as x, and the adjacent side as 1. This forces the hypotenuse to be ##\sqrt{x^2 + 1}##.

If we differentiate both sides of the equation ##\tan(y) = x## with respect to x, we get ##\sec^2(y) \frac{dy}{dx} = 1##, or ## \frac{dy}{dx} = \frac 1{\sec^2(y)} = \cos^2(y)##. From the drawing, it can be seen that ##\cos^2(y) = \frac 1 {x^2 + 1}##
triangle.png
 

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