Calc Help: Find Derivative & Understand Why Answer Wrong

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In summary, the derivative of $\csc^{-1}(\sec x)$ is equal to $-1$ as shown by the cancellation of terms and the use of the formula $\frac{d}{dx}(\operatorname{arccsc} x) = \frac{-1}{|x|\sqrt{x^2-1}}$. This is a surprisingly tricky problem and requires careful use of inverse trigonometric functions. The constant answer is due to the acute angle assumption and can be derived geometrically as well.
  • #1
veronica1999
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I don't understand why my answer is wrong...
 

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  • #2
Re: find the derivative

Hi Veronica,

It would be a good idea to take some time to learn Latex. We have http://www.mathhelpboards.com/f26/ with some tips here to get you started.

This is what I think you wrote out.
$$y = \csc ^{-1} \left[ \sec(x) \right]$$
Find $y'$. Is that correct? :)
 
  • #3
Re: find the derivative

Jameson said:
Hi Veronica,

It would be a good idea to take some time to learn Latex. We have http://www.mathhelpboards.com/f26/ with some tips here to get you started.

This is what I think you wrote out.
$$y = \csc ^{-1} \left[ \sec(x) \right]$$
Find $y'$. Is that correct? :)

Yes!
I promise i will learn it soon.
 
Last edited:
  • #4
Re: find the derivative

veronica1999 said:
Yes!
I promise i will learn it soon.

It's ok, Veronica :)

I really need to head to bed now but I believe your error is in the cancellation. Your second line of in the PDF looks good to me, so if there's an error it seems like it should be with the cancellation. $\tan(x)$ can be negative but $\sqrt{ \left[ \tan(x) \right] ^2}$ cannot.

Someone will be along to help you soon.
 
  • #5
Re: find the derivative

veronica1999 said:
I don't understand why my answer is wrong...

Operating as follows...

$\displaystyle y= \csc^{-1} (\sec x) \implies \csc y = \frac{1}{\cos x} \implies \sin y = \cos x \implies y = \sin^{-1} (\cos x)$

... You have to operate on more comfortable inverse trigonometric functions...

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
  • #6
Re: find the derivative

Hello, veronica1999!

I can't open your file, but I'll give it a try.


[tex]\text{Differentiate: }\:y \:=\:\csc^{-1}(\sec x)[/tex]
[tex]\text{Formula: }\:\text{If }y \:=\:\csc^{-1}u,\,\text{then: }\:y' \:=\:\frac{-u'}{u\sqrt{u^2-1}}[/tex]

[tex]\text{We have: }\:y \:=\:\csc^{-1}(\sec x)[/tex]

[tex]\text{Then: }\:y' \;=\;\frac{-\sec x\tan x}{\sec x\sqrt{\sec^2x-1}} \;=\;\frac{-\sec x\tan x}{\sec x\tan x} \;=\;-1[/tex]
 
  • #7
Re: find the derivative

This is a surprisingly tricky problem. The first thing to notice is that \(\displaystyle \frac d{dx}(\operatorname{arccsc} x) = \frac{-1}{|x|\sqrt{x^2-1}}\). (See here for example, though there are several web sites that carelessly give that formula without the mod signs on the $x$ in the denominator.) Therefore $$\frac d{dx}\bigl(\operatorname{arccsc}(\sec x)\bigr) = \frac{-\sec x\tan x}{|\sec x|\sqrt{\sec^2 x-1}} = \frac{-\sec x\tan x}{|\sec x\tan x|}.$$ Next, $\sec x\tan x = \sin x\sec^2x$, and $\sec^2x$ is always positive. So we can cancel a factor $\sec^2x$ from the top and bottom of that last displayed fraction, to get $$\frac d{dx}\bigl(\operatorname{arccsc}(\sec x)\bigr) = \frac{-\sin x}{|\sin x|} = \begin{cases}-1 & \text{if }\sin x>0,\\ +1 & \text{if }\sin x<0.\end{cases}$$
 
  • #8
Re: find the derivative

Opalg said:
This is a surprisingly tricky problem. The first thing to notice is that \(\displaystyle \frac d{dx}(\operatorname{arccsc} x) = \frac{-1}{|x|\sqrt{x^2-1}}\). (See here for example, though there are several web sites that carelessly give that formula without the mod signs on the $x$ in the denominator.) Therefore $$\frac d{dx}\bigl(\operatorname{arccsc}(\sec x)\bigr) = \frac{-\sec x\tan x}{|\sec x|\sqrt{\sec^2 x-1}} = \frac{-\sec x\tan x}{|\sec x\tan x|}.$$ Next, $\sec x\tan x = \sin x\sec^2x$, and $\sec^2x$ is always positive. So we can cancel a factor $\sec^2x$ from the top and bottom of that last displayed fraction, to get $$\frac d{dx}\bigl(\operatorname{arccsc}(\sec x)\bigr) = \frac{-\sin x}{|\sin x|} = \begin{cases}-1 & \text{if }\sin x>0,\\ +1 & \text{if }\sin x<0.\end{cases}$$
Thank you!
Now it is clear.:D
 
  • #9
Re: find the derivative

Hello, veronica1999!

There is a reason for the constant answer.

Differentiate: .[tex]y \:=\:\csc^{-1}(\sec x)[/tex]
Assume angle [tex]x[/tex] is acute.

[tex]x[/tex] is an angle in a right triangle.
Let [tex]z[/tex] be the other acute angle.

Code:
                        *
                     * z*
             c    *     *
               *        * a
            *           *
         * x            *
      *  *  *  *  *  *  *
               b
We have: .[tex]\sec x \,=\,\tfrac{c}{b}[/tex]

Then we want: .[tex]\csc^{-1}\left(\tfrac{c}{b}\right)[/tex]

The angle whose cosecant is [tex]\tfrac{c}{b}[/tex] is angle [tex]z.[/tex]

Hence: .[tex]y \:=\:\csc^{-1}(\sec x) \:=\:z [/tex]

. . . . . . [tex]y \:=\:\tfrac{\pi}{2} - x[/tex]

Therefore: .[tex]y' \;=\;-1[/tex]
 
  • #10
\(\displaystyle \displaystyle \begin{align*} y &= \csc^{-1} { \left[ \sec{(x)} \right] } \\ \csc{(y)} &= \sec{(x)} \\ \frac{1}{\sin{(y)}} &= \frac{1}{\cos{(x)}} \\ \cos{(x)} &= \sin{(y)} \\ \frac{d}{dx} \left[ \cos{(x)} \right] &= \frac{d}{dx} \left[ \sin{(y)} \right] \\ -\sin{(x)} &= \cos{(y)}\,\frac{dy}{dx} \\ -\frac{\sin{(x)}}{\cos{(y)}} &= \frac{dy}{dx} \\ -\frac{\sin{(x)}}{ \sqrt{ 1 - \frac{1}{\csc^2{(y)}} } } &= \frac{dy}{dx} \\ -\frac{\sin{(x)}}{ \sqrt{ 1 - \frac{1}{ \left( \csc{ \left\{ \csc^{-1}{ \left[ \sec{(x)} \right] } \right\} } \right) ^2 } } } &= \frac{dy}{dx} \\ -\frac{\sin{(x)}}{\sqrt{ 1 - \frac{1}{\sec^2{(x)}} }} &= \frac{dy}{dx} \\ -\frac{\sin{(x)}}{\sqrt{1 - \cos^2{(x)}}} &= \frac{dy}{dx} \\ -\frac{\sin{(x)}}{\sin{(x)}} &= \frac{dy}{dx} \\ \frac{dy}{dx} &= -1 \end{align*}\)
 
  • #11
Prove It said:
\(\displaystyle \displaystyle \begin{align*} y &= \csc^{-1} { \left[ \sec{(x)} \right] } \\ \csc{(y)} &= \sec{(x)} \\ \frac{1}{\sin{(y)}} &= \frac{1}{\cos{(x)}} \\ \cos{(x)} &= \sin{(y)} \\ \frac{d}{dx} \left[ \cos{(x)} \right] &= \frac{d}{dx} \left[ \sin{(y)} \right] \\ -\sin{(x)} &= \cos{(y)}\,\frac{dy}{dx} \\ -\frac{\sin{(x)}}{\cos{(y)}} &= \frac{dy}{dx} \\ -\frac{\sin{(x)}}{ \sqrt{ 1 - \frac{1}{\csc^2{(y)}} } } &= \frac{dy}{dx} \\ -\frac{\sin{(x)}}{ \sqrt{ 1 - \frac{1}{ \left( \csc{ \left\{ \csc^{-1}{ \left[ \sec{(x)} \right] } \right\} } \right) ^2 } } } &= \frac{dy}{dx} \\ -\frac{\sin{(x)}}{\sqrt{ 1 - \frac{1}{\sec^2{(x)}} }} &= \frac{dy}{dx} \\ -\frac{\sin{(x)}}{\sqrt{1 - \cos^2{(x)}}} &= \frac{dy}{dx} \\ -\frac{\sin{(x)}}{\sin{(x)}} &= \frac{dy}{dx}\quad \color{red}{\text{The denominator here should be }|\sin x|} \\ \frac{dy}{dx} &= -1\quad \color{red}{\text{ if }\sin x>0, \text{ but +1 if }\sin x<0.}\end{align*}\)
...
 

FAQ: Calc Help: Find Derivative & Understand Why Answer Wrong

What is a derivative?

A derivative is a mathematical concept that represents the rate of change of a function at a given point. It is the slope of the tangent line to the function at that point.

Why is it important to find derivatives?

Finding derivatives is important because it allows us to understand the behavior of a function and make predictions about its future values. It is also used in many areas of science and engineering, such as in physics and economics.

How do you find derivatives?

To find the derivative of a function, you can use the rules of differentiation, which involve taking the limit of a difference quotient as the change in x approaches 0. There are also many formulas for finding the derivatives of common functions.

Why might I get the wrong answer when finding a derivative?

There are many reasons why you might get the wrong answer when finding a derivative. Some common mistakes include applying the wrong derivative rule, forgetting to use the chain rule, or making a calculation error. It is important to double check your work and practice regularly to improve your skills.

What are some real-world applications of derivatives?

Derivatives have many real-world applications, such as in calculating velocity and acceleration in physics, determining marginal cost and revenue in economics, and optimizing processes in engineering. They are also used in fields like medicine, biology, and finance to model and analyze various phenomena.

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