Solve Derivative Questions with Quotient Rule

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving derivative questions using the Quotient Rule and Chain Rule in calculus. For the function f(x) = sin(1/x), the Chain Rule is applied, resulting in the derivative f'(x) = -cos(1/x)/x^2. For the function g(x) = 1/sin(x), both the Quotient Rule and Chain Rule can be utilized, yielding g'(x) = -cos(x)/sin^2(x) or g'(x) = -csc(x)cot(x). The participants confirm that both rules are applicable, depending on the approach taken.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic calculus concepts, specifically derivatives
  • Familiarity with the Chain Rule and Quotient Rule
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions and their derivatives
  • Ability to manipulate and simplify algebraic expressions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the Chain Rule in more complex functions
  • Practice using the Quotient Rule with various trigonometric functions
  • Explore the relationship between different derivative rules in calculus
  • Learn about higher-order derivatives and their applications
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Students studying calculus, educators teaching derivative concepts, and anyone looking to strengthen their understanding of 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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