Derivative of trigonometric function

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the rate of change of x with respect to theta when the bottom of a 10 ft ladder slides away from a wall at an angle of pi/3. The height of the ladder can be found using the law of sines and the pythagorean theorem. The next step is to use the general formula for \d{x}{\theta} to solve for the rate of change.
  • #1
tmt1
234
0
A ladder 10 ft long rests against a vertical wall. Let be the
angle between the top of the ladder and the wall and let be
the distance from the bottom of the ladder to the wall. If the
bottom of the ladder slides away from the wall, how fast does
x change with respect to $\theta$ when $\theta \pi/3$?

I'm confused about how to solve this problem.

Let y equal the height of the ladder.

Using the law of sines:

$\frac{10}{sin90} = \frac{x}{sin\frac{\pi}{3}}$

and

$ x= 5\sqrt{3}$

And using the pythagorean theorem:

$y = 5$ when $\theta = \pi/3$

But I'm unsure what to do now.
 
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  • #2
You should find:

\(\displaystyle \sin(\theta)=\frac{x}{10}\tag{1}\)

Now, you are asked to find:

\(\displaystyle \left.\d{x}{\theta}\right|_{\theta=\frac{\pi}{3}}\tag{2}\)

So, what should you do to (1) to get a general formula for \(\displaystyle \d{x}{\theta}\)?
 

FAQ: Derivative of trigonometric function

What is the derivative of a trigonometric function?

The derivative of a trigonometric function is the rate of change of the function at a specific point. In other words, it is the slope of the tangent line at that point.

How do you find the derivative of a trigonometric function?

To find the derivative of a trigonometric function, you can use the basic rules of differentiation such as the power rule, chain rule, and product rule. You can also use the identities and special formulas specific to trigonometric functions.

What is the chain rule in terms of trigonometric functions?

The chain rule in terms of trigonometric functions states that the derivative of a composite function (f(g(x)) is equal to the derivative of the outer function (f'(g(x))) multiplied by the derivative of the inner function (g'(x)). In simpler terms, it is the derivative of the outside function multiplied by the derivative of the inside function.

Why is the derivative of a trigonometric function important?

The derivative of a trigonometric function is important because it helps us understand the behavior of the function at a specific point. It also helps us find the slope of the function, which is essential in many real-life applications such as physics, engineering, and economics.

Can we use the derivative of a trigonometric function to solve real-life problems?

Yes, we can use the derivative of a trigonometric function to solve real-life problems. For example, in physics, we can use it to calculate the velocity and acceleration of an object in motion. In economics, we can use it to find the maximum or minimum values of a function to maximize profits or minimize costs.

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