How to Find the Derivative of tan(x) with Respect to x | A Step-by-Step Guide

d/dx(tanx)

To find the derivative of tan(x) with respect to x, we can use the definition of the tangent function and apply the chain rule

To find the derivative of tan(x) with respect to x, we can use the definition of the tangent function and apply the chain rule. The derivative of tan(x) can be found as:

d/dx(tan(x)) = d/dx(sin(x) / cos(x))

Now, applying the quotient rule:

d/dx(tan(x)) = (cos(x) * d/dx(sin(x)) – sin(x) * d/dx(cos(x))) / (cos(x))^2

Let’s find the derivatives of sin(x) and cos(x):

d/dx(sin(x)) = cos(x)
d/dx(cos(x)) = -sin(x)

Substituting these values into the quotient rule formula:

d/dx(tan(x)) = (cos(x) * cos(x) – sin(x) * (-sin(x))) / (cos(x))^2
= (cos^2(x) + sin^2(x)) / (cos(x))^2

Using the Pythagorean identity sin^2(x) + cos^2(x) = 1:

d/dx(tan(x)) = 1 / (cos(x))^2

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

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