Deriving Inverse Trig Functions

In summary, the conversation discusses a differentiation problem involving y=sin-1[x/(1+x)]. It explains the process of using implicit differentiation and substituting to solve for cos(y) and ultimately finding the derivative dy/(dx). Despite initially getting a slightly different result, the participants conclude that the solution is correct.
  • #1
quozzy
15
0
Alright, I'm not technically stuck on this one, but I consistently get a result that disagrees with what Wolfram Alpha shows when I enter the problem to check my answer. Sorry 'bout the lack of LaTeX, but it should be simple enough to read. Here goes:

Problem:
Differentiate y=sin-1[x/(1+x)]

Basically, I rearrange for
sin(y)=x/(x+1)

then use implicit differentiation to yield:
* ---> cos(y)*(dy/(dx))=1/(x+1)2

Substituting with:
cos(y)=sqrt[1-sin2(y)]

I get:
cos(y)=sqrt[1-x2/(x+1)2]

which simplifies to:
cos(y)=sqrt(2x+1)/(x+1)

Dividing both sides of the original equation (above, marked with a star) by cos(y):
dy/(dx)=1/[(x+1)sqrt(2x+1)]

Which, if you don't like surds in the denominator, can be simplified to:
sqrt(2x+1)/[(x+1)(2x+1)]


I've done this question several times, and re-checked all my working. For the life of me, I can't see where I go wrong, yet my result is slightly different to what it should be. Any suggestions would be most welcome.
 
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  • #2
quozzy said:
dy/(dx)=1/[(x+1)sqrt(2x+1)]

This is pretty close (and equivalent) to the first alternate form of the derivative on Wolframalpha.
 
  • #3
What do you think it should be?
 
  • #4
Huh. It appears you're right. I had even tried entering <my answer> - <w.a. answer>, and it came out nonzero, but I must have mistyped something. Well, I'm glad I'm not missing anything. Thanks for the clarification!
 

FAQ: Deriving Inverse Trig Functions

What is the formula for differentiating inverse trigonometric functions?

The formula for differentiating inverse trigonometric functions is d/dx(sin-1x) = 1/√(1-x2) for arcsine, d/dx(cos-1x) = -1/√(1-x2) for arccosine, and d/dx(tan-1x) = 1/(1+x2) for arctangent. These formulas can be derived using the chain rule and some basic trigonometric identities.

Can inverse trigonometric functions be differentiated using the power rule?

No, inverse trigonometric functions cannot be differentiated using the power rule. They require the use of the chain rule and trigonometric identities in order to be differentiated.

How do I differentiate a composite function involving an inverse trigonometric function?

To differentiate a composite function involving an inverse trigonometric function, you can use the chain rule. For example, to differentiate f(x) = sin-1(x2), you would first rewrite it as f(x) = sin-1(u) where u = x2. Then, using the chain rule, you would have d/dx(sin-1(u)) * d/dx(u) = 1/√(1-u2) * 2x = 2x/√(1-x4).

Are there any special cases when differentiating inverse trigonometric functions?

Yes, there are a few special cases when differentiating inverse trigonometric functions. One example is when differentiating tan-1(x) or cot-1(x), where the derivative is not defined at x = 0. Another example is when differentiating sec-1(x), where the derivative is not defined for values of x outside of the interval [-1,1].

How can I use inverse trigonometric differentiation to solve real-world problems?

Inverse trigonometric differentiation can be used to solve real-world problems involving rates of change, such as finding the velocity or acceleration of an object. It can also be used in physics and engineering to solve problems involving angles and distances. Additionally, inverse trigonometric differentiation is used in calculus courses to help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

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