Derivative of Tan x: How to Find d/dx[tan x] Using the Quotient Rule and Simplify to Sec^2 x

d/dx [tan x]

To find the derivative of tan x, denoted as d/dx[tan x], we can use the quotient rule

To find the derivative of tan x, denoted as d/dx[tan x], we can use the quotient rule.

The quotient rule states that for two functions u(x) and v(x),
(d/dx)[u(x)/v(x)] = (v(x)*[du(x)/dx] – u(x)*[dv(x)/dx]) / [v(x)]^2

In this case, u(x) = 1 and v(x) = cot x.

We can rewrite tan x as 1/cot x, since tan x is the same as 1 divided by cot x.

Using the quotient rule, we have:

(d/dx)[tan x] = (cot x * [d(1)/dx] – 1 * [dcot x/dx]) / [cot x]^2

Now, let’s evaluate the individual derivatives:

[d(1)/dx] is the derivative of the constant function 1, which is 0.

[dcot x/dx] is the derivative of cot x. To find this, we can use the chain rule. The chain rule states that if y = f(g(x)), then dy/dx = f'(g(x)) * g'(x).

In this case, f(x) = cot x and g(x) = x. Taking the derivative of cot x with respect to x gives us -csc^2 x. Since g(x) = x, g'(x) = 1.

Therefore, [dcot x/dx] = -csc^2 x * 1 = -csc^2 x.

Now, plugging these values back into the quotient rule equation:

(d/dx)[tan x] = (cot x * 0 – 1 * (-csc^2 x)) / [cot x]^2
= csc^2 x / [cot x]^2

Simplifying further, we can rewrite csc^2 x as 1/sin^2 x and cot x as cos x / sin x:

= (1/sin^2 x) / [(cos x / sin x)^2]
= (1/sin^2 x) / (cos^2 x / sin^2 x)
= 1 / cos^2 x
= sec^2 x

Therefore, the derivative of tan x, d/dx[tan x], is equal to sec^2 x.

More Answers:

Understanding Critical Numbers: Examining the Relationship between Concavity and Extremes
Understanding the Chain Rule: Derivative of sin(x) with Respect to x is cos(x)
Understanding the Derivative of the Cosine Function: Simplifying the Derivative Rule for cos(x) to -sin(x)

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