Using definition of derivative w/ trig

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the first and second derivatives of the function f(x) = x²sin(x) + 2xsin(x) using the definition of the derivative. The user expresses difficulty in applying the limit definition, specifically with trigonometric functions, and mentions the angle addition formula sin(x+h) = sin(x)cos(h) + cos(x)sin(h). Key insights include the importance of limit rules, particularly that sin(h)/h approaches 1 as h approaches 0, and the suggestion to break the expression into sums of fractions for simplification.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the definition of the derivative
  • Familiarity with trigonometric identities, specifically the angle addition formula
  • Knowledge of limit rules in calculus
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Practice finding derivatives using the definition of derivative with trigonometric functions
  • Study the application of limit rules in calculus
  • Learn about the angle addition formulas for sine and cosine
  • Explore techniques for simplifying complex algebraic expressions
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those learning about derivatives involving trigonometric functions, and educators seeking to enhance their teaching methods in calculus concepts.

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1. I'm having trouble using the definition of derivative on algebraic functions involving trig functions. Here's the problem:

I need to find the first and second derivative of f(x) = [tex]x^{2}sin(x) + 2xsin(x)[/tex]

2. I know how to use the definition of derivative, [tex]\stackrel{lim}{h->0}\frac{f(x+h) - f(x)}{h}[/tex], but I was never good at using it when trig functions were involved. I'm guessing the angle addition formula will be involved: sin(x+h) = sin(x)cos(h) + cos(x)sin(h) .

I also know that, if I can manage to get it in this form, [tex]\stackrel{lim}{h->0}\frac{cos(h) - 1}{h} = 0[/tex]

3. I'm stuck at this point:
[tex]\stackrel{lim}{h->0}\frac{(x^2 + hx + h^2)(sin(x)cos(h) + cos(x)sin(h)) - x^2sin(x)}{h}[/tex]

Any help would greatly be appreciated!

EDIT: I should also add that we haven't covered u-substition yet; we have to do this the long way without any shortcuts.
 
Last edited:
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Have you heard of l'hospital's rule? Joking...

Have you tried multiplying it all out and breaking it up into sums of fractions? It's messy, but it looks like it might work.

Remember your limit rules as well, if sin(h)/h -> 1 as h->0 then cos(x)sin(h)/h -> cos(x) as h->0.

Look at your x^2 terms: the coefficient is

[tex]\{\sin(x)\cos(h)+\cos(x)\sin(h)\}-\sin(x)=\sin(x)\{\cos(h)-1\}+\cos(x)\sin(h).[/tex]
 
Last edited:

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