Taylor Series (Derivative question)

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the derivative of the function f(x) = cos²(x). The user correctly computes the first derivative as f'(x) = 2(cos(x))(-sin(x)), but seeks clarification on its simplification to -sin(2x). The response highlights the relevant trigonometric identity sin(2x) = 2sin(x)cos(x), confirming that the simplification is indeed valid. Additionally, other identities such as cos(2x) = cos²(x) - sin²(x) are mentioned for further context.

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  • Understanding of basic calculus, specifically differentiation
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions and identities
  • Knowledge of the chain rule in calculus
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions involving trigonometric functions
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  • Study trigonometric identities, focusing on sin(2x) and cos(2x)
  • Practice differentiation techniques, especially using the chain rule
  • Explore applications of derivatives in trigonometric functions
  • Review problems involving the simplification of trigonometric expressions
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newbe318
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I was looking at the solution for problem 6 and I am confused on taking the derivatives of the function f(x)= cos^2 (x)
I took the first derivative and did get the answer f^(1) (x)= 2(cos(x)) (-sin (x)), but how does that simplify to -sin (2x)?

Is there some trig identity that I am not aware of?
Your help would be much appreciated, since I have a final Friday.
Thank you.
 
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newbe318 said:
View attachment 93145

I was looking at the solution for problem 6 and I am confused on taking the derivatives of the function f(x)= cos^2 (x)
I took the first derivative and did get the answer f^(1) (x)= 2(cos(x)) (-sin (x)), but how does that simplify to -sin (2x)?

Is there some trig identity that I am not aware of?
This is a well-known trig identity.
##\sin(2x) = 2\sin(x)\cos(x)##
Another is ##\cos(2x) = \cos^2(x) - \sin^2(x)##
The right side can be written in two other forms: ##2\cos^2(x) - 1## or ##1 - 2\sin^2(x)##.
newbe318 said:
Your help would be much appreciated, since I have a final Friday.
Thank you.
 
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