Solve Derivative Questions with Quotient Rule

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving derivative problems using the quotient rule and chain rule in calculus. Participants are specifically addressing two functions: \( f(x) = \sin\left(\frac{1}{x}\right) \) and \( g(x) = \frac{1}{\sin x} \). The scope includes mathematical reasoning and technical explanations related to differentiation techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the chain rule should be applied to \( f(x) = \sin\left(\frac{1}{x}\right) \), detailing the steps involved in its differentiation.
  • Others propose that the quotient rule can be used for \( g(x) = \frac{1}{\sin x} \), while also noting that the chain rule is a viable alternative.
  • One participant provides a detailed application of the quotient rule for \( g(x) \), showing the derivative as \( g' = \frac{-\cos x}{\sin^2 x} \).
  • Another participant demonstrates the derivative of \( g(x) \) using the chain rule, arriving at the same result but presenting it in a different form as \( -\csc(x)\cot(x) \).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the appropriate method for differentiating the given functions, with some favoring the chain rule and others the quotient rule. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the preferred approach for each function.

Contextual Notes

There is some confusion expressed by participants regarding the application of the chain rule, particularly when dealing with fractions in derivatives. This indicates a potential limitation in understanding the interplay between the two differentiation techniques.

lastochka
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Hello, I am struggling with these two questions. I think here should be used a quotient rule, but I am not sure how to proceed.
a) f(x)=sin$\frac{1}{x}$
b)g(x)=$\frac{1}{sinx}$
Can someone please help. Thanks
 
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lastochka said:
Hello, I am struggling with these two questions. I think here should be used a quotient rule, but I am not sure how to proceed.
a) f(x)=sin$\frac{1}{x}$
b)g(x)=$\frac{1}{sinx}$
Can someone please help. Thanks

Hi lastochka,

That should be a chain rule.
It says that the derivative of $f(g(x))$ is $f'(g(x))\cdot g'(x)$.

Applying that to a) we get:
$$\left(\sin \left(\frac{1}{x}\right)\right)'
= \sin' \left(\frac{1}{x}\right) \cdot \left( \frac{1}{x} \right)'
= \cos \left(\frac{1}{x}\right) \cdot (x^{-1})'
= \cos \left(\frac{1}{x}\right) \cdot (-1 \cdot x^{-2})
= - \frac{\cos \left(\frac{1}{x}\right)}{x^2}
$$

How could we apply that to b)? (Wondering)
 
lastochka said:
Hello, I am struggling with these two questions. I think here should be used a quotient rule, but I am not sure how to proceed.
a) f(x)=sin$\frac{1}{x}$
b)g(x)=$\frac{1}{sinx}$
Can someone please help. Thanks

You can use the quotient rule on b if you like although the chain rule works just as well

Let $$u = 1$$ and $$v = \sin(x)$$ and take it from there
 
Thank you, I like Serena and SuperSonic4!
Question (b) I did with quotient rule:
g$^{\prime}$=$\frac{0sinx-1*cosx}{{sinx}^{2}}$=$\frac{-cosx}{{sinx}^{2}}$

but how to do it with Chain Rule? This fraction confuses me:confused:
Thank you again for helping!
 
Using the chain rule:

$$\left(\frac{1}{\sin\left({x}\right)}\right)'=[\left(\sin\left({x}\right)\right)^{-1}]'=-1[\sin\left({x}\right)]^{-2}\cos\left({x}\right)=-\frac{\cos\left({x}\right)}{[\sin\left({x}\right)]^2}$$
 
Or one could write:

$$\frac{d}{dx}\left(\frac{1}{\sin(x)}\right)=\frac{d}{dx}\left(\csc(x)\right)=-\csc(x)\cot(x)$$ :D
 
Thank you, Rido12 and MarkFL!
 

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