Find derivative with chain rule

In summary, In order to find the derivative of y=-18sin(80t), one must use the fact that the derivative of sin(x) is cos(x), the fact that the derivative of 80t is 80, and the chain rule.
  • #1
pavadrin
156
0
hey
how would i find the derivative of y= [tex]-18 \sin 80 t[/tex]?
thanks pavadrin
 
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  • #2
1. Use the fact, which you should already have learned, that the derivative of sin(x) is cos(x).
2. Use the fact, which you should already have learned, that the derivative of 80t is 80.
3. Use the chain rule.

By the way, the derivative is one of the basic operations in calculus so this is clearly not "pre-calculus". I'm moving this to "Calculus and beyond".
 
  • #3
okay sorry for having placed it in the wrong section, um...ive never differentiated a trig f(x) before that's all and it was the first i came across that i needed to differentiate. could i please given a few hints on the basics? thanks
 
  • #4
I would imagine if one is studying differential calculus, that one is using a textbook and within the textbook are trigonometric identities and examples.

HallsofIvy mentioned the chain rule, which is very basic in differentiation.

Given y = f(g(x)), y' = dy/dx = f'(g(x))*g'(x).

Has one proved to oneself the definition of a derivative, and then used that definition to find the derivative of various functions?

y'(x) = dy(x)/dx = [tex]\lim_{\substack{\Delta{x}\rightarrow 0}} \frac{y(x+\Delta{x})-y(x)}{\Delta{x}}[/tex]

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/deriv.html
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/math/derfunc.html#c1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derivative
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chain_rule

http://mathworld.wolfram.com/Derivative.html
 
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  • #5
okay thanks for the replies and the links. so the derivative of sin (x) = cos (x) therefore that if y = -18sin (80t) then y' = 80(-18cos (80t)), expanding the brackets is equal to y' = -1440cox 80t? thanks
 
  • #6
pavadrin said:
okay thanks for the replies and the links. so the derivative of sin (x) = cos (x) therefore that if y = -18sin (80t) then y' = 80(-18cos (80t)), expanding the brackets is equal to y' = -1440cox 80t? thanks
Yup, this is correct. :smile:
A harmless typo though, cox should read cos, instead. :)
 
  • #7
oh okay thanks for confirming that :smile:
 

FAQ: Find derivative with chain rule

What is the chain rule?

The chain rule is a mathematical rule that allows you to find the derivative of a composite function by breaking it down into simpler functions.

When should I use the chain rule?

The chain rule should be used when the function you are trying to find the derivative of is composed of two or more functions nested within each other.

How do I apply the chain rule?

To apply the chain rule, you must first identify the inner function and the outer function. Then, take the derivative of the outer function and multiply it by the derivative of the inner function.

Can the chain rule be applied to any type of function?

Yes, the chain rule can be applied to any type of function as long as it follows the composition rule (i.e. one function is nested within another).

What are some common mistakes when using the chain rule?

Some common mistakes when using the chain rule include forgetting to take the derivatives of both the inner and outer functions, misidentifying the inner and outer functions, and forgetting to use the chain rule altogether.

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