How to Find the Derivative of tan(x) and Understand the Step-by-Step Process

d/dx(tanx)

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

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

The derivative of tan(x) can be obtained by differentiating the quotient sin(x)/cos(x).

Let’s break it down step by step:

1. Rewrite the function: tan(x) = sin(x)/cos(x).

2. Apply the quotient rule: The derivative of the quotient f(x) = g(x)/h(x) is given by (h(x)g'(x) – g(x)h'(x)) / [h(x)]^2.

3. Identify the numerator: g(x) = sin(x) and h(x) = cos(x).

4. Calculate the derivatives of g(x) and h(x): g'(x) = cos(x) and h'(x) = -sin(x).

5. Apply the quotient rule: f'(x) = [(cos(x) * cos(x)) – (sin(x) * (-sin(x)))] / [cos(x)]^2.

6. Simplify the numerator: f'(x) = (cos^2(x) + sin^2(x)) / [cos(x)]^2.

7. Use the identity sin^2(x) + cos^2(x) = 1: f'(x) = 1 / [cos(x)]^2.

8. Rewrite in terms of secant: Since sec^2(x) = 1 / [cos(x)]^2, we have f'(x) = 1 / sec^2(x).

Therefore, the derivative of tan(x) with respect to x is 1 / sec^2(x), which can be written as f'(x) = sec^2(x).

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