What is the derivative of the inverse of arctan of tan(x)?

  • Thread starter Thread starter moo5003
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Derivative Proof
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the derivative of the inverse function of arctan, specifically for the function f(x) = tan(x) defined on the interval (-π/2, π/2). According to Theorem 29.9, if f is a one-to-one continuous function and differentiable, the derivative of its inverse g, where g = arctan(f), is given by (g^(-1))'(y) = 1/f'(x). The derivative of g(x) = arctan(x) is established as 1/(y^2 + 1), confirming that arctan(tan(x)) simplifies to x. The discussion also clarifies the notation and terminology used in the problem.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of inverse functions and their derivatives
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, specifically tan(x) and arctan(x)
  • Knowledge of Theorem 29.9 regarding differentiable functions
  • Basic proficiency in calculus, particularly differentiation techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Theorem 29.9 in various contexts
  • Explore the properties of inverse trigonometric functions
  • Learn about the chain rule in differentiation
  • Investigate the relationship between trigonometric identities and their derivatives
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in calculus, mathematicians focusing on analysis, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of inverse functions and their derivatives.

moo5003
Messages
202
Reaction score
0
I don't really need help on the actual problem *I believe* I'm just confused on what its actually asking.

Problem: "Use Theorem 29.9 to obtain the derivative of the inverse g = arctan of f where f(x) = tan(x) for x in (-Pie/2, Pie/2)"

29.9: "Let f be a 1-1 continuous function on an open interval I, and let J = f(I). If f is differentiable at x in I and if f'(x) != 0, then f^(-1) is differentiable at y = f(x) and (f^(-1))'(y) = 1/f'(x)"

I'm just trying to clarify the problem because I can't seem to grasp what its asking. They want me to find (g^(-1))' such that g(x) = arctan(f(x)) such that f(x) = tan(x)?

Ie: find the derivative of arctan(tan(x))? (Which is 1...)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
No. f is a function defined on [itex](-\pi /2,\, \pi /2)[/itex] by f(x) = tan(x). g is the inverse of f, and it's called arctan. So g(x) = arctan(x). This means g(f(x)) = x. In other words:

g(f(x)) = g(tan(x)) = arctan(f(x)) = arctan(tan(x)) = x

g = f-1, g = tan-1, arctan = f-1, arctan = tan-1

None of these ways of writing are more correct than the other. f and tan are the same thing. g, arctan, f-1, tan-1 are all the same thing.

And g(x) = arctan(x), not arctan(f(x)). arctan(f(x)) = x.

One more thing, the number [itex]\pi[/itex] spelt out in English letters is "pi", not "Pie". It's a greek letter, not a baked desert. Anyways, do you understand what the question is asking you to do now?
 
So basically from what I could muster from reading the book 5 times and just looking back here is that they want me to do the following:

f(x) = tan(x) = y
g(y) = arctan(y)

Arctan'(y) = 1/tan'(x) = cos^2(x)

since y = tan(x) --> cos^2(x) = 1/(y^2+1) *Took a few trig idents.

Thus Arctan'(y) = 1/(y^2 + 1)

Edit: I realize arctan(tan(x)) is x, which is why I posted to clarify the question. I don't understand what the question is asking when it says "obtain the derivative of g = arctan of f". To me that sounds like g(f(x)), though I now see they meant g(J) were J is the interval obtained with J = tan(I) were I is (-pi/2, pi/2). (J being (-1,1)).

PS: Pie is delicious, I only wish pi could be spelled pie.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
26
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K