A Step-by-Step Guide on Finding the Derivative of the Function Sec(x) using the Quotient Rule

d/dx[secx]

To find the derivative of the function f(x) = sec(x) with respect to x, we can use the quotient rule

To find the derivative of the function f(x) = sec(x) with respect to x, we can use the quotient rule.

The quotient rule states that if we have a function in the form f(x) = u(x)/v(x), where u(x) and v(x) are differentiable functions, then the derivative of f(x) with respect to x is given by:

f'(x) = [v(x) * u'(x) – u(x) * v'(x)] / [v(x)]^2

In our case, u(x) = 1 and v(x) = cos(x).

First, let’s find the derivative of u(x), which is u'(x):

u(x) = 1, so u'(x) = 0 (the derivative of a constant is zero).

Next, let’s find the derivative of v(x), which is v'(x):

v(x) = cos(x), so v'(x) = -sin(x) (the derivative of cos(x) is -sin(x)).

Now, we can substitute these values into the quotient rule:

f'(x) = [cos(x) * 0 – 1 * (-sin(x))] / [cos(x)]^2

Simplifying further:

f'(x) = sin(x) / cos^2(x)

We can simplify this expression by using the identity cos^2(x) = 1 + sin^2(x):

f'(x) = sin(x) / (1 + sin^2(x))

And as sec(x) is defined as 1/cos(x), we can rewrite sin(x) as sec(x) * cos(x):

f'(x) = sec(x) * cos(x) / (1 + sec^2(x) * cos^2(x))

Simplifying further:

f'(x) = sec(x) * cos(x) / (1 + sec^2(x))

Therefore, the derivative of sec(x) with respect to x is sec(x) * cos(x) / (1 + sec^2(x)).

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