Using definition of derivative w/ trig

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem involving finding the first and second derivative of an algebraic function with trigonometric functions. The person is struggling to use the definition of derivative when trig functions are involved and mentions the use of the angle addition formula. They also mention the possibility of using l'hopital's rule and suggest multiplying and breaking up the equation into fractions. The conversation also reminds the person to use limit rules and points out the x^2 terms in the equation.
  • #1
Cylord
1
0
1. I'm having trouble using the definition of derivative on algebraic functions involving trig functions. Here's the problem:

I need to find the first and second derivative of f(x) = [tex]x^{2}sin(x) + 2xsin(x)[/tex]

2. I know how to use the definition of derivative, [tex]\stackrel{lim}{h->0}\frac{f(x+h) - f(x)}{h}[/tex], but I was never good at using it when trig functions were involved. I'm guessing the angle addition formula will be involved: sin(x+h) = sin(x)cos(h) + cos(x)sin(h) .

I also know that, if I can manage to get it in this form, [tex]\stackrel{lim}{h->0}\frac{cos(h) - 1}{h} = 0[/tex]

3. I'm stuck at this point:
[tex]\stackrel{lim}{h->0}\frac{(x^2 + hx + h^2)(sin(x)cos(h) + cos(x)sin(h)) - x^2sin(x)}{h}[/tex]

Any help would greatly be appreciated!

EDIT: I should also add that we haven't covered u-substition yet; we have to do this the long way without any shortcuts.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Have you heard of l'hopitals rule? Joking...

Have you tried multiplying it all out and breaking it up into sums of fractions? It's messy, but it looks like it might work.

Remember your limit rules as well, if sin(h)/h -> 1 as h->0 then cos(x)sin(h)/h -> cos(x) as h->0.

Look at your x^2 terms: the coefficient is

[tex]\{\sin(x)\cos(h)+\cos(x)\sin(h)\}-\sin(x)=\sin(x)\{\cos(h)-1\}+\cos(x)\sin(h).[/tex]
 
Last edited:

FAQ: Using definition of derivative w/ trig

What is the definition of derivative in terms of trigonometric functions?

The definition of derivative in terms of trigonometric functions is the instantaneous rate of change of a trigonometric function at a specific point. It is represented by the slope of the tangent line to the function at that point. Mathematically, it is defined as the limit of the change in the function over a small change in the input variable, as the change in the input variable approaches zero.

How do you use the definition of derivative to find the derivative of a trigonometric function?

To find the derivative of a trigonometric function, you can use the definition of derivative to calculate the limit of the function as the change in the input variable approaches zero. This will give you the slope of the tangent line at a specific point, which is the value of the derivative at that point. You can then use this value to find the derivative of the function at any point by using the derivative rules for trigonometric functions.

What are the derivative rules for trigonometric functions?

The derivative rules for trigonometric functions are as follows:

  • The derivative of sin(x) is cos(x)
  • The derivative of cos(x) is -sin(x)
  • The derivative of tan(x) is sec2(x)
  • The derivative of cot(x) is -csc2(x)
  • The derivative of sec(x) is sec(x)tan(x)
  • The derivative of csc(x) is -csc(x)cot(x)

Can the definition of derivative be used for all trigonometric functions?

Yes, the definition of derivative can be used for all trigonometric functions. This includes the basic trigonometric functions (sin, cos, tan, cot, sec, and csc) as well as their inverse functions (arcsin, arccos, arctan, arccot, arcsec, and arccsc).

What are some real-world applications of using the definition of derivative with trigonometric functions?

Some real-world applications of using the definition of derivative with trigonometric functions include calculating the speed and acceleration of objects in circular motion, determining the slope of a hill or ramp, and analyzing the behavior of waves and vibrations in various fields such as engineering and physics. It can also be used in the study of planetary motion and navigation, as well as in the design and optimization of structures and machines.

Similar threads

Replies
12
Views
719
Replies
4
Views
804
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
2K
Replies
40
Views
1K
Back
Top