Finding the Derivatives of the Trigonometric Functions

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 33 views

Finding Derivatives: A Step-by-Step Guide to Calculating ${$ \frac{dy}{dx}$}$

In calculus, finding the derivative of a function is a crucial concept that helps us understand how the function changes as its input changes. The derivative of a function ${$ y = f(x)$}$ is denoted as ${$ \frac{dy}{dx}$}$ and represents the rate of change of the function with respect to its input. In this article, we will focus on finding the derivative of the function ${$ y = \frac{\tan x}{1 + \sec x}$}$.

Before we dive into finding the derivative, let's take a closer look at the function ${$ y = \frac{\tan x}{1 + \sec x}$}$. This function involves trigonometric functions, specifically the tangent and secant functions. The tangent function is defined as ${$ \tan x = \frac{\sin x}{\cos x}$}$, while the secant function is defined as ${$ \sec x = \frac{1}{\cos x}$}$.

To find the derivative of the function ${$ y = \frac{\tan x}{1 + \sec x}$}$, we will use the quotient rule, which states that if ${$ y = \frac{f(x)}{g(x)}$}$, then ${$ \frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{f'(x)g(x) - f(x)g'(x)}{(g(x))^2}$}$. In this case, we have ${$ f(x) = \tan x$}$ and ${$ g(x) = 1 + \sec x$}$.

Finding the Derivatives of the Trigonometric Functions

Before we can apply the quotient rule, we need to find the derivatives of the trigonometric functions involved. The derivative of the tangent function is ${$ \frac{d}{dx}(\tan x) = \sec^2 x$}$, while the derivative of the secant function is ${$ \frac{d}{dx}(\sec x) = \sec x \tan x$}$.

Now that we have the derivatives of the trigonometric functions, we can apply the quotient rule to find the derivative of the function ${$ y = \frac{\tan x}{1 + \sec x}$}$. We have:

${$ \frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{(\sec^2 x)(1 + \sec x) - (\tan x)(\sec x \tan x)}{(1 + \sec x)^2}$}$

To simplify the derivative, we can start by expanding the numerator:

${$ \frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{\sec^2 x + \sec^3 x - \tan^2 x \sec x}{(1 + \sec x)^2}$}$

We can simplify the derivative further by using trigonometric identities. Specifically, we can use the identity ${$ \tan^2 x + 1 = \sec^2 x$}$ to rewrite the numerator:

${$ \frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{\sec^2 x + \sec^3 x - (\sec^2 x - 1) \sec x}{(1 + \sec x)^2}$}$

Now we can simplify the derivative further by combining like terms:

${$ \frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{\sec^3 x + \sec x}{(1 + \sec x)^2}$}$

Therefore, the derivative of the function ${$ y = \frac{\tan x}{1 + \sec x}$}$ is:

${$ \frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{\sec^3 x + \sec x}{(1 + \sec x)^2}$}$

In this article, we used the quotient rule to find the derivative of the function ${$ y = \frac{\tan x}{1 + \sec x}$}$. We started by understanding the function and identifying the trigonometric functions involved. We then applied the quotient rule and simplified the derivative using trigonometric identities. The final answer is a simplified expression for the derivative of the function.

For more information on derivatives and trigonometric functions, check out the following resources:

Calculus textbooks, such as Michael Spivak's "Calculus" or James Stewart's "Calculus: Early Transcendentals"
Online resources, such as Khan Academy's calculus course or MIT OpenCourseWare's calculus course
Trigonometry textbooks, such as Michael Corral's "Trigonometry" or Charles P. McKeague's "Trigonometry"

Q: What is the derivative of the tangent function? A: The derivative of the tangent function is ${$ \frac{d}{dx}(\tan x) = \sec^2 x$}$.
Q: What is the derivative of the secant function? A: The derivative of the secant function is ${$ \frac{d}{dx}(\sec x) = \sec x \tan x$}$.
Q: How do I apply the quotient rule to find the derivative of a function? A: To apply the quotient rule, identify the numerator and denominator of the function, find their derivatives, and then plug them into the quotient rule formula.
Derivative Calculations: A Q&A Guide

In our previous article, we explored the concept of derivatives and how to find the derivative of a function using the quotient rule. However, we understand that sometimes, it's not enough to just provide a formula or a step-by-step guide. Sometimes, you need to understand the underlying concepts and have your questions answered.

In this article, we'll address some of the most frequently asked questions about derivative calculations. Whether you're a student, a teacher, or simply someone who wants to learn more about calculus, this article is for you.

A: The derivative of the sine function is ${$ \frac{d}{dx}(\sin x) = \cos x$}$.

A: The derivative of the cosine function is ${$ \frac{d}{dx}(\cos x) = -\sin x$}$.

A: The power rule states that if ${$ y = x^n$}$, then ${$ \frac{dy}{dx} = nx^{n-1}$}$. To find the derivative of a function using the power rule, simply identify the exponent of the variable and multiply it by the variable raised to the power of the exponent minus one.

A: The derivative of the exponential function is ${$ \frac{d}{dx}(e^x) = e^x$}$.

A: The chain rule states that if ${$ y = f(g(x))$}$, then ${$ \frac{dy}{dx} = f'(g(x)) \cdot g'(x)$}$. To find the derivative of a function using the chain rule, identify the outer function and the inner function, find their derivatives, and then multiply them together.

A: The derivative of the logarithmic function is ${$ \frac{d}{dx}(\ln x) = \frac{1}{x}$}$.

A: The product rule states that if ${$ y = f(x)g(x)$}$, then ${$ \frac{dy}{dx} = f'(x)g(x) + f(x)g'(x)$}$. To find the derivative of a function using the product rule, identify the two functions, find their derivatives, and then multiply them together and add them.

A: The quotient rule states that if ${$ y = \frac{f(x)}{g(x)}$}$, then ${$ \frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{f'(x)g(x) - f(x)g'(x)}{(g(x))^2}$}$. To find the derivative of a function using the quotient rule, identify the numerator and denominator, find their derivatives, and then plug them into the quotient rule formula.

In this article, we've addressed some of the most frequently asked questions about derivative calculations. Whether you're a student, a teacher, or simply someone who wants to learn more about calculus, we hope this article has been helpful. Remember, practice makes perfect, so be sure to try out these concepts and formulas on your own.

For more information on derivatives and calculus, check out the following resources:

Calculus textbooks, such as Michael Spivak's "Calculus" or James Stewart's "Calculus: Early Transcendentals"
Online resources, such as Khan Academy's calculus course or MIT OpenCourseWare's calculus course
Trigonometry textbooks, such as Michael Corral's "Trigonometry" or Charles P. McKeague's "Trigonometry"

Q: What is the derivative of the tangent function? A: The derivative of the tangent function is ${$ \frac{d}{dx}(\tan x) = \sec^2 x$}$.
Q: What is the derivative of the secant function? A: The derivative of the secant function is ${$ \frac{d}{dx}(\sec x) = \sec x \tan x$}$.
Q: How do I apply the quotient rule to find the derivative of a function? A: To apply the quotient rule, identify the numerator and denominator of the function, find their derivatives, and then plug them into the quotient rule formula.