- 3.5 Derivatives of Trigonometric Functions
- Introduction
- 1.1 Review of Functions
- 1.2 Basic Classes of Functions
- 1.3 Trigonometric Functions
- 1.4 Inverse Functions
- 1.5 Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
- Key Equations
- Key Concepts
- Review Exercises
- 2.1 A Preview of Calculus
- 2.2 The Limit of a Function
- 2.3 The Limit Laws
- 2.4 Continuity
- 2.5 The Precise Definition of a Limit
- 3.1 Defining the Derivative
- 3.2 The Derivative as a Function
- 3.3 Differentiation Rules
- 3.4 Derivatives as Rates of Change
- 3.6 The Chain Rule
- 3.7 Derivatives of Inverse Functions
- 3.8 Implicit Differentiation
- 3.9 Derivatives of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
- 4.1 Related Rates
- 4.2 Linear Approximations and Differentials
- 4.3 Maxima and Minima
- 4.4 The Mean Value Theorem
- 4.5 Derivatives and the Shape of a Graph
- 4.6 Limits at Infinity and Asymptotes
- 4.7 Applied Optimization Problems
- 4.8 L’Hôpital’s Rule
- 4.9 Newton’s Method
- 4.10 Antiderivatives
- 5.1 Approximating Areas
- 5.2 The Definite Integral
- 5.3 The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
- 5.4 Integration Formulas and the Net Change Theorem
- 5.5 Substitution
- 5.6 Integrals Involving Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
- 5.7 Integrals Resulting in Inverse Trigonometric Functions
- 6.1 Areas between Curves
- 6.2 Determining Volumes by Slicing
- 6.3 Volumes of Revolution: Cylindrical Shells
- 6.4 Arc Length of a Curve and Surface Area
- 6.5 Physical Applications
- 6.6 Moments and Centers of Mass
- 6.7 Integrals, Exponential Functions, and Logarithms
- 6.8 Exponential Growth and Decay
- 6.9 Calculus of the Hyperbolic Functions
- A | Table of Integrals
- B | Table of Derivatives
- C | Review of Pre-Calculus

Learning Objectives
- 3.5.1 Find the derivatives of the sine and cosine function.
- 3.5.2 Find the derivatives of the standard trigonometric functions.
- 3.5.3 Calculate the higher-order derivatives of the sine and cosine.
One of the most important types of motion in physics is simple harmonic motion, which is associated with such systems as an object with mass oscillating on a spring. Simple harmonic motion can be described by using either sine or cosine functions. In this section we expand our knowledge of derivative formulas to include derivatives of these and other trigonometric functions. We begin with the derivatives of the sine and cosine functions and then use them to obtain formulas for the derivatives of the remaining four trigonometric functions. Being able to calculate the derivatives of the sine and cosine functions will enable us to find the velocity and acceleration of simple harmonic motion.
Derivatives of the Sine and Cosine Functions
We begin our exploration of the derivative for the sine function by using the formula to make a reasonable guess at its derivative. Recall that for a function f ( x ) , f ( x ) ,
Consequently, for values of h h very close to 0, f ′ ( x ) ≈ f ( x + h ) − f ( x ) h . f ′ ( x ) ≈ f ( x + h ) − f ( x ) h . We see that by using h = 0.01 , h = 0.01 ,
By setting D ( x ) = sin ( x + 0.01 ) − sin x 0.01 D ( x ) = sin ( x + 0.01 ) − sin x 0.01 and using a graphing utility, we can get a graph of an approximation to the derivative of sin x sin x ( Figure 3.25 ).
Upon inspection, the graph of D ( x ) D ( x ) appears to be very close to the graph of the cosine function. Indeed, we will show that
If we were to follow the same steps to approximate the derivative of the cosine function, we would find that
Theorem 3.8
The derivatives of sin x and cos x.
The derivative of the sine function is the cosine and the derivative of the cosine function is the negative sine.
Because the proofs for d d x ( sin x ) = cos x d d x ( sin x ) = cos x and d d x ( cos x ) = − sin x d d x ( cos x ) = − sin x use similar techniques, we provide only the proof for d d x ( sin x ) = cos x . d d x ( sin x ) = cos x . Before beginning, recall two important trigonometric limits we learned in Introduction to Limits :
The graphs of y = ( sin h ) h y = ( sin h ) h and y = ( cos h − 1 ) h y = ( cos h − 1 ) h are shown in Figure 3.26 .
We also recall the following trigonometric identity for the sine of the sum of two angles:
Now that we have gathered all the necessary equations and identities, we proceed with the proof.
Figure 3.27 shows the relationship between the graph of f ( x ) = sin x f ( x ) = sin x and its derivative f ′ ( x ) = cos x . f ′ ( x ) = cos x . Notice that at the points where f ( x ) = sin x f ( x ) = sin x has a horizontal tangent, its derivative f ′ ( x ) = cos x f ′ ( x ) = cos x takes on the value zero. We also see that where f ( x ) = sin x f ( x ) = sin x is increasing, f ′ ( x ) = cos x > 0 f ′ ( x ) = cos x > 0 and where f ( x ) = sin x f ( x ) = sin x is decreasing, f ′ ( x ) = cos x < 0 . f ′ ( x ) = cos x < 0 .
Example 3.39
Differentiating a function containing sin x.
Find the derivative of f ( x ) = 5 x 3 sin x . f ( x ) = 5 x 3 sin x .
Using the product rule, we have
After simplifying, we obtain
Checkpoint 3.25
Find the derivative of f ( x ) = sin x cos x . f ( x ) = sin x cos x .
Example 3.40
Finding the derivative of a function containing cos x.
Find the derivative of g ( x ) = cos x 4 x 2 . g ( x ) = cos x 4 x 2 .
By applying the quotient rule, we have
Simplifying, we obtain
Checkpoint 3.26
Find the derivative of f ( x ) = x cos x . f ( x ) = x cos x .
Example 3.41
An application to velocity.
A particle moves along a coordinate axis in such a way that its position at time t t is given by s ( t ) = 2 sin t − t s ( t ) = 2 sin t − t for 0 ≤ t ≤ 2 π . 0 ≤ t ≤ 2 π . At what times is the particle at rest?
To determine when the particle is at rest, set s ′ ( t ) = v ( t ) = 0 . s ′ ( t ) = v ( t ) = 0 . Begin by finding s ′ ( t ) . s ′ ( t ) . We obtain
so we must solve
The solutions to this equation are t = π 3 t = π 3 and t = 5 π 3 . t = 5 π 3 . Thus the particle is at rest at times t = π 3 t = π 3 and t = 5 π 3 . t = 5 π 3 .
Checkpoint 3.27
A particle moves along a coordinate axis. Its position at time t t is given by s ( t ) = 3 t + 2 cos t s ( t ) = 3 t + 2 cos t for 0 ≤ t ≤ 2 π . 0 ≤ t ≤ 2 π . At what times is the particle at rest?
Derivatives of Other Trigonometric Functions
Since the remaining four trigonometric functions may be expressed as quotients involving sine, cosine, or both, we can use the quotient rule to find formulas for their derivatives.
Example 3.42
The derivative of the tangent function.
Find the derivative of f ( x ) = tan x . f ( x ) = tan x .
Start by expressing tan x tan x as the quotient of sin x sin x and cos x : cos x :
Now apply the quotient rule to obtain
Recognizing that cos 2 x + sin 2 x = 1 , cos 2 x + sin 2 x = 1 , by the Pythagorean theorem, we now have
Finally, use the identity sec x = 1 cos x sec x = 1 cos x to obtain
Checkpoint 3.28
Find the derivative of f ( x ) = cot x . f ( x ) = cot x .
The derivatives of the remaining trigonometric functions may be obtained by using similar techniques. We provide these formulas in the following theorem.
Theorem 3.9
Derivatives of tan x , cot x , sec x , tan x , cot x , sec x , and csc x csc x.
The derivatives of the remaining trigonometric functions are as follows:
Example 3.43
Finding the equation of a tangent line.
Find the equation of a line tangent to the graph of f ( x ) = cot x f ( x ) = cot x at x = π 4 . x = π 4 .
To find the equation of the tangent line, we need a point and a slope at that point. To find the point, compute
Thus the tangent line passes through the point ( π 4 , 1 ) . ( π 4 , 1 ) . Next, find the slope by finding the derivative of f ( x ) = cot x f ( x ) = cot x and evaluating it at π 4 : π 4 :
Using the point-slope equation of the line, we obtain
or equivalently,
Example 3.44
Finding the derivative of trigonometric functions.
Find the derivative of f ( x ) = csc x + x tan x . f ( x ) = csc x + x tan x .
To find this derivative, we must use both the sum rule and the product rule. Using the sum rule, we find
In the first term, d d x ( csc x ) = − csc x cot x , d d x ( csc x ) = − csc x cot x , and by applying the product rule to the second term we obtain
Therefore, we have
Checkpoint 3.29
Find the derivative of f ( x ) = 2 tan x − 3 cot x . f ( x ) = 2 tan x − 3 cot x .
Checkpoint 3.30
Find the slope of the line tangent to the graph of f ( x ) = tan x f ( x ) = tan x at x = π 6 . x = π 6 .
Higher-Order Derivatives
The higher-order derivatives of sin x sin x and cos x cos x follow a repeating pattern. By following the pattern, we can find any higher-order derivative of sin x sin x and cos x . cos x .
Example 3.45
Finding higher-order derivatives of y = sin x y = sin x.
Find the first four derivatives of y = sin x . y = sin x .
Each step in the chain is straightforward:
Once we recognize the pattern of derivatives, we can find any higher-order derivative by determining the step in the pattern to which it corresponds. For example, every fourth derivative of sin x equals sin x , so

Checkpoint 3.31
For y = cos x , y = cos x , find d 4 y d x 4 . d 4 y d x 4 .
Example 3.46
Using the pattern for higher-order derivatives of y = sin x y = sin x.
Find d 74 d x 74 ( sin x ) . d 74 d x 74 ( sin x ) .
We can see right away that for the 74th derivative of sin x , 74 = 4 ( 18 ) + 2 , sin x , 74 = 4 ( 18 ) + 2 , so
Checkpoint 3.32
For y = sin x , y = sin x , find d 59 d x 59 ( sin x ) . d 59 d x 59 ( sin x ) .
Example 3.47
An application to acceleration.
A particle moves along a coordinate axis in such a way that its position at time t t is given by s ( t ) = 2 − sin t . s ( t ) = 2 − sin t . Find v ( π / 4 ) v ( π / 4 ) and a ( π / 4 ) . a ( π / 4 ) . Compare these values and decide whether the particle is speeding up or slowing down.
First find v ( t ) = s ′ ( t ) : v ( t ) = s ′ ( t ) :
Next, find a ( t ) = v ′ ( t ) . a ( t ) = v ′ ( t ) . Thus, a ( t ) = v ′ ( t ) = sin t a ( t ) = v ′ ( t ) = sin t and we have
Since v ( π 4 ) = − 1 2 < 0 v ( π 4 ) = − 1 2 < 0 and a ( π 4 ) = 1 2 > 0 , a ( π 4 ) = 1 2 > 0 , we see that velocity and acceleration are acting in opposite directions; that is, the object is being accelerated in the direction opposite to the direction in which it is travelling. Consequently, the particle is slowing down.
Checkpoint 3.33
A block attached to a spring is moving vertically. Its position at time t t is given by s ( t ) = 2 sin t . s ( t ) = 2 sin t . Find v ( 5 π 6 ) v ( 5 π 6 ) and a ( 5 π 6 ) . a ( 5 π 6 ) . Compare these values and decide whether the block is speeding up or slowing down.
Section 3.5 Exercises
For the following exercises, find d y d x d y d x for the given functions.
y = x 2 − sec x + 1 y = x 2 − sec x + 1
y = 3 csc x + 5 x y = 3 csc x + 5 x
y = x 2 cot x y = x 2 cot x
y = x − x 3 sin x y = x − x 3 sin x
y = sec x x y = sec x x
y = sin x tan x y = sin x tan x
y = ( x + cos x ) ( 1 − sin x ) y = ( x + cos x ) ( 1 − sin x )
y = tan x 1 − sec x y = tan x 1 − sec x
y = 1 − cot x 1 + cot x y = 1 − cot x 1 + cot x
y = cos x ( 1 + csc x ) y = cos x ( 1 + csc x )
For the following exercises, find the equation of the tangent line to each of the given functions at the indicated values of x . x . Then use a calculator to graph both the function and the tangent line to ensure the equation for the tangent line is correct.
[T] f ( x ) = − sin x , x = 0 f ( x ) = − sin x , x = 0
[T] f ( x ) = csc x , x = π 2 f ( x ) = csc x , x = π 2
[T] f ( x ) = 1 + cos x , x = 3 π 2 f ( x ) = 1 + cos x , x = 3 π 2
[T] f ( x ) = sec x , x = π 4 f ( x ) = sec x , x = π 4
[T] f ( x ) = x 2 − tan x , x = 0 f ( x ) = x 2 − tan x , x = 0
[T] f ( x ) = 5 cot x , x = π 4 f ( x ) = 5 cot x , x = π 4
For the following exercises, find d 2 y d x 2 d 2 y d x 2 for the given functions.
y = x sin x − cos x y = x sin x − cos x
y = sin x cos x y = sin x cos x
y = x − 1 2 sin x y = x − 1 2 sin x
y = 1 x + tan x y = 1 x + tan x
y = 2 csc x y = 2 csc x
y = sec 2 x y = sec 2 x
Find all x x values on the graph of f ( x ) = −3 sin x cos x f ( x ) = −3 sin x cos x where the tangent line is horizontal.
Find all x x values on the graph of f ( x ) = x − 2 cos x f ( x ) = x − 2 cos x for 0 < x < 2 π 0 < x < 2 π where the tangent line has slope 2.
Let f ( x ) = cot x . f ( x ) = cot x . Determine the points on the graph of f f for 0 < x < 2 π 0 < x < 2 π where the tangent line(s) is (are) parallel to the line y = −2 x . y = −2 x .
[T] A mass on a spring bounces up and down in simple harmonic motion, modeled by the function s ( t ) = −6 cos t s ( t ) = −6 cos t where s s is measured in inches and t t is measured in seconds. Find the rate at which the spring is oscillating at t = 5 t = 5 s.
Let the position of a swinging pendulum in simple harmonic motion be given by s ( t ) = a cos t + b sin t s ( t ) = a cos t + b sin t where a a and b b are constants, t t measures time in seconds, and s s measures position in centimeters. If the position is 0 cm and the velocity is 3 cm/s when t = 0 t = 0 , find the values of a a and b b .
After a diver jumps off a diving board, the edge of the board oscillates with position given by s ( t ) = −5 cos t s ( t ) = −5 cos t cm at t t seconds after the jump.
- Sketch one period of the position function for t ≥ 0 . t ≥ 0 .
- Find the velocity function.
- Sketch one period of the velocity function for t ≥ 0 . t ≥ 0 .
- Determine the times when the velocity is 0 over one period.
- Find the acceleration function.
- Sketch one period of the acceleration function for t ≥ 0 . t ≥ 0 .
The number of hamburgers sold at a fast-food restaurant in Pasadena, California, is given by y = 10 + 5 sin x y = 10 + 5 sin x where y y is the number of hamburgers sold and x x represents the number of hours after the restaurant opened at 11 a.m. until 11 p.m., when the store closes. Find y ′ y ′ and determine the intervals where the number of burgers being sold is increasing.
[T] The amount of rainfall per month in Phoenix, Arizona, can be approximated by y ( t ) = 0.5 + 0.3 cos t , y ( t ) = 0.5 + 0.3 cos t , where t t is months since January. Find y ′ y ′ and use a calculator to determine the intervals where the amount of rain falling is decreasing.
For the following exercises, use the quotient rule to derive the given equations.
d d x ( cot x ) = − csc 2 x d d x ( cot x ) = − csc 2 x
d d x ( sec x ) = sec x tan x d d x ( sec x ) = sec x tan x
d d x ( csc x ) = − csc x cot x d d x ( csc x ) = − csc x cot x
Use the definition of derivative and the identity
cos ( x + h ) = cos x cos h − sin x sin h cos ( x + h ) = cos x cos h − sin x sin h to prove that d ( cos x ) d x = − sin x . d ( cos x ) d x = − sin x .
For the following exercises, find the requested higher-order derivative for the given functions.
d 3 y d x 3 d 3 y d x 3 of y = 3 cos x y = 3 cos x
d 2 y d x 2 d 2 y d x 2 of y = 3 sin x + x 2 cos x y = 3 sin x + x 2 cos x
d 4 y d x 4 d 4 y d x 4 of y = 5 cos x y = 5 cos x
d 2 y d x 2 d 2 y d x 2 of y = sec x + cot x y = sec x + cot x
d 3 y d x 3 d 3 y d x 3 of y = x 10 − sec x y = x 10 − sec x
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Want to cite, share, or modify this book? This book uses the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License and you must attribute OpenStax.
Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/calculus-volume-1/pages/1-introduction
- Authors: Gilbert Strang, Edwin “Jed” Herman
- Publisher/website: OpenStax
- Book title: Calculus Volume 1
- Publication date: Mar 30, 2016
- Location: Houston, Texas
- Book URL: https://openstax.org/books/calculus-volume-1/pages/1-introduction
- Section URL: https://openstax.org/books/calculus-volume-1/pages/3-5-derivatives-of-trigonometric-functions
© Jul 17, 2023 OpenStax. Textbook content produced by OpenStax is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License . The OpenStax name, OpenStax logo, OpenStax book covers, OpenStax CNX name, and OpenStax CNX logo are not subject to the Creative Commons license and may not be reproduced without the prior and express written consent of Rice University.

- My presentations
Auth with social network:
Download presentation
We think you have liked this presentation. If you wish to download it, please recommend it to your friends in any social system. Share buttons are a little bit lower. Thank you!
Presentation is loading. Please wait.
3.5 Derivatives of Trigonometric Functions What you’ll learn about…. Derivatives of the Sine and Cosine Functions Simple Harmonic Motion Jerk Derivatives.
Published by Erick Gallagher Modified over 8 years ago
Similar presentations
Presentation on theme: "3.5 Derivatives of Trigonometric Functions What you’ll learn about…. Derivatives of the Sine and Cosine Functions Simple Harmonic Motion Jerk Derivatives."— Presentation transcript:

A brief journey into Section 4.5a HW: p , 4, 5, 9, 13, 25, 27.

The Inverse Trigonometric Functions Section 4.2. Objectives Find the exact value of expressions involving the inverse sine, cosine, and tangent functions.

6.5 & 6.7 Notes Writing equations of trigonometric functions given the transformations.

1 Basic Differentiation Rules and Rates of Change Section 2.2.

Copyright © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. 3 Derivatives.

Chapter 3 Graphing Trigonometric Functions 3.1 Basic Graphics 3.2 Graphing y = k + A sin Bx and y = k +A cos Bx 3.3 Graphing y = k + A sin (Bx + C) and.

Pre calculus Problem of the Day Homework: p odds, odds, odds On the unit circle name all indicated angles by their first positive.

Homework Homework Assignment #14 Read Section 3.6 Page 165, Exercises: 1 – 49 (EOO) Rogawski Calculus Copyright © 2008 W. H. Freeman and Company.

5.1 Inverse sine, cosine, and tangent

DIFFERENTIATION RULES 3. Before starting this section, you might need to review the trigonometric functions. DIFFERENTIATION RULES.

3.5 Derivatives of Trigonometric Functions. Revisiting the Differentiation Rules Find the derivatives of (a) y = x²sinx and (b) y = cosx / (1 – sinx).

2.2 Differentiation Rules for Constant Multiples, Sums, Powers, Sines, and Cosines Constant Rule:The derivative of a constant is zero. Find the derivatives.

3.5 Derivatives of Trig Functions. Consider the function We could make a graph of the slope: slope Now we connect the dots! The resulting curve is a cosine.

3 DERIVATIVES.

3.5 – Derivative of Trigonometric Functions

1 The Product and Quotient Rules and Higher Order Derivatives Section 2.3.

Warm-up:. Homework: 7.5: graph secant, cosecant, tangent, and cotangent functions from equations (6-7) In this section we will answer… What about the.

Page 309 – Amplitude, Period and Phase Shift Objective To find the amplitude, period and phase shift for a trigonometric function To write equations of.

2.3 The Product and Quotient Rules and Higher Order Derivatives

13.7 (part 2) answers 34) y = cos (x – 1.5) 35) y = cos (x + 3/(2π)) 36) y = sin x –3π 37) 38) y = sin (x – 2) –4 39) y = cos (x +3) + π 40) y = sin (x.
About project
© 2023 SlidePlayer.com Inc. All rights reserved.

- school Campus Bookshelves
- menu_book Bookshelves
- perm_media Learning Objects
- login Login
- how_to_reg Request Instructor Account
- hub Instructor Commons
- Download Page (PDF)
- Download Full Book (PDF)
- Periodic Table
- Physics Constants
- Scientific Calculator
- Reference & Cite
- Tools expand_more
- Readability
selected template will load here
This action is not available.

3.5: Derivatives of Trigonometric Functions
- Last updated
- Save as PDF
- Page ID 10701

One of the most important types of motion in physics is simple harmonic motion, which is associated with such systems as an object with mass oscillating on a spring. Simple harmonic motion can be described by using either sine or cosine functions. In this section we expand our knowledge of derivative formulas to include derivatives of these and other trigonometric functions. We begin with the derivatives of the sine and cosine functions and then use them to obtain formulas for the derivatives of the remaining four trigonometric functions. Being able to calculate the derivatives of the sine and cosine functions will enable us to find the velocity and acceleration of simple harmonic motion.
Derivatives of the Sine and Cosine Functions
We begin our exploration of the derivative for the sine function by using the formula to make a reasonable guess at its derivative. Recall that for a function \(f(x),\)
\[f′(x)=\lim_{h→0}\dfrac{f(x+h)−f(x)}{h}.\]
Consequently, for values of \(h\) very close to 0,
\[f′(x)≈\dfrac{f(x+h)−f(x)}{h}.\]
We see that by using \(h=0.01\),
\[\dfrac{d}{dx}(\sin x)≈\dfrac{\sin (x+0.01)−\sin x}{0.01}\]
\[D(x)=\dfrac{\sin (x+0.01)−\sin x}{0.01}\]
and using a graphing utility, we can get a graph of an approximation to the derivative of \(\sin x\) (Figure).

Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): The graph of the function \(D(x)\) looks a lot like a cosine curve.
Upon inspection, the graph of \(D(x)\) appears to be very close to the graph of the cosine function. Indeed, we will show that
\[\dfrac{d}{dx}(\sin x)=\cos x.\]
If we were to follow the same steps to approximate the derivative of the cosine function, we would find that
\[\dfrac{d}{dx}(\cos x)=−\sin x.\]
The Derivatives of sin x and cos x
The derivative of the sine function is the cosine and the derivative of the cosine function is the negative sine.
\[\dfrac{d}{dx}(\sin x)=\cos x\]
\[\dfrac{d}{dx}(\cos x)=−\sin x\]
Because the proofs for \(\dfrac{d}{dx}(\sin x)=\cos x\) and \(\dfrac{d}{dx}(\cos x)=−\sin x\) use similar techniques, we provide only the proof for \(\dfrac{d}{dx}(\sin x)=\cos x.\) Before beginning, recall two important trigonometric limits we learned in Introduction to Limits:
\(\lim_{h→0}\dfrac{sinh}{h}=1\) and \(\lim_{h→0}\dfrac{coshh−1}{h}=0\).
The graphs of \(y=\dfrac{(sinh)}{h}\) and \(y=\dfrac{(cosh−1)}{h}\) are shown in Figure.

Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): These graphs show two important limits needed to establish the derivative formulas for the sine and cosine functions.
We also recall the following trigonometric identity for the sine of the sum of two angles:
\[\sin (x+h)=\sin x\cosh+\cos x\sinh.\]
Now that we have gathered all the necessary equations and identities, we proceed with the proof.
Figure shows the relationship between the graph of \(f(x)=\sin x\) and its derivative \(f′(x)=\cos x\). Notice that at the points where \(f(x)=\sin x\) has a horizontal tangent, its derivative \(f′(x)=\cos x\) takes on the value zero. We also see that where f\((x)=\sin x\) is increasing, \(f′(x)=\cos x>0\) and where \(f(x)=\sin x\) is decreasing, \(f′(x)=\cos x<0.\)

Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\): Where \(f(x)\) has a maximum or a minimum, \(f'(x)=0\) that is, \(f'(x)=0\) where \(f(x)\) has a horizontal tangent. These points are noted with dots on the graphs
Example \(\PageIndex{1}\): Differentiating a Function Containing sin x
Find the derivative of \(f(x)=5x^3\sin x\).
Using the product rule, we have
\(f'(x)=\dfrac{d}{dx}(5x^3)⋅\sin x+\dfrac{d}{dx}(\sin x)⋅5x^3=15x^2⋅\sin x+\cos x⋅5x^3.\)
After simplifying, we obtain
\(f′(x)=15x^2\sin x+5x^3\cos x.\)
Exercise \(\PageIndex{1}\)
Find the derivative of \[f(x)=\sin x\cos x.\]
Don’t forget to use the product rule.
\[f′(x)=\cos^2x−\sin^2x\]
Example \(\PageIndex{2}\): Finding the Derivative of a Function Containing cos x
Find the derivative of \(g(x)=\dfrac{\cos x}{4x^2}\).
By applying the quotient rule, we have
\[g′(x)=\dfrac{(−\sin x)4x^2−8x(\cos x)}{(4x^2)^2}.\]
Simplifying, we obtain
\[g′(x)=\dfrac{−4x^2\sin x−8x\cos x}{16x^4}=\dfrac{−x\sin x−2\cos x}{4x^3}.\]
Exercise \(\PageIndex{2}\)
Find the derivative of \[f(x)=\dfrac{x}{\cos x}.\]
Use the quotient rule.
\[\dfrac{\cos x+x\sin x}{\cos^2x}\]
Example \(\PageIndex{3}\): An Application to Velocity
A particle moves along a coordinate axis in such a way that its position at time \(t\) is given by \(s(t)=2sint−t\) for \(0≤t≤2π.\) At what times is the particle at rest?
To determine when the particle is at rest, set \(s′(t)=v(t)=0.\) Begin by finding \(s′(t).\) We obtain
\[s′(t)=2 \cos t−1,\]
so we must solve
\[2 \cos t−1=0\) for \(0≤t≤2π.\]
The solutions to this equation are \(t=\dfrac{π}{3}\) and \(t=\dfrac{5π}{3}\). Thus the particle is at rest at times \(t=\dfrac{π}{3}\) and \(t=\dfrac{5π}{3}\).6)
Exercise \(\PageIndex{3}\)
A particle moves along a coordinate axis. Its position at time \(t\) is given by \(s(t)=\sqrt{3}t+2cost\) for \(0≤t≤2π.\) At what times is the particle at rest?
Use the previous example as a guide.
\[t=\dfrac{π}{3},t=\dfrac{2π}{3}\]
Derivatives of Other Trigonometric Functions
Since the remaining four trigonometric functions may be expressed as quotients involving sine, cosine, or both, we can use the quotient rule to find formulas for their derivatives.
Example \(\PageIndex{4}\): The Derivative of the Tangent Function
Find the derivative of \(f(x)=\tan x.\)
Start by expressing \(\tan x \) as the quotient of \(\sin x\) and \(\cos x\):
\(f(x)=\tan x =\dfrac{\sin x}{\cos x}\).
Now apply the quotient rule to obtain
\(f′(x)=\dfrac{\cos x\cos x−(−\sin x)\sin x}{(\cos x)^2}\).
\[f′(x)=\dfrac{\cos^2x+sin^2x}{\cos^2x}.\]
Recognizing that \(\cos^2x+\sin^2x=1,\) by the Pythagorean theorem, we now have
\[f′(x)=\dfrac{1}{\cos^2x}\]
Finally, use the identity \(sec x=\dfrac{1}{\cos x}\) to obtain
\(f′(x)=\text{sec}^2x\).
Exercise \(\PageIndex{4}\)
Find the derivative of \[f(x)=\cot x .\]
Rewrite \(\cot x \) as \(\dfrac{\cos x}{\sin x}\) and use the quotient rule.
\[f′(x)=−csc^2x\]
The derivatives of the remaining trigonometric functions may be obtained by using similar techniques. We provide these formulas in the following theorem.
Derivatives of \(\tan x\), \(\cot x\), \(secx\), and \(cscx\)
The derivatives of the remaining trigonometric functions are as follows:
\[\dfrac{d}{dx}(\tan x )=\sec^2x\]
\[\dfrac{d}{dx}(\cot x )=−\csc^2x\]
\[\dfrac{d}{dx}(secx)=\sec x \tan x\]
\[\dfrac{d}{dx}(cscx)=−\csc x \cot x.\]
Example \(\PageIndex{5}\): Finding the Equation of a Tangent Line
Find the equation of a line tangent to the graph of \(f(x)=\cot x \) at \(x=\dfrac{π}{4}\).
To find the equation of the tangent line, we need a point and a slope at that point. To find the point, compute
\(f(\dfrac{π}{4})=cot\dfrac{π}{4}=1\).
Thus the tangent line passes through the point \((\dfrac{π}{4},1)\). Next, find the slope by finding the derivative of \(f(x)=\cot x \) and evaluating it at \(\dfrac{π}{4}\):
\(f′(x)=−csc^2x\) and \(f′(\dfrac{π}{4})=−csc^2(\dfrac{π}{4})=−2\).
Using the point-slope equation of the line, we obtain
\(y−1=−2(x−\dfrac{π}{4})\)
or equivalently,
\(y=−2x+1+\dfrac{π}{2}\).
Example \(\PageIndex{6}\): Finding the Derivative of Trigonometric Functions
Find the derivative of \(f(x)=cscx+x\tan x .\)
To find this derivative, we must use both the sum rule and the product rule. Using the sum rule, we find
\(f′(x)=\dfrac{d}{dx}(cscx)+\dfrac{d}{dx}(x\tan x )\).
In the first term, \(\dfrac{d}{dx}(cscx)=−cscx\cot x ,\) and by applying the product rule to the second term we obtain
\(\dfrac{d}{dx}(x\tan x )=(1)(\tan x )+(sec^2x)(x)\).
Therefore, we have
\(f′(x)=−cscx\cot x +\tan x +xsec^2x\).
Exercise \(\PageIndex{5}\)
Find the derivative of \(f(x)=2\tan x −3\cot x .\)
Use the rule for differentiating a constant multiple and the rule for differentiating a difference of two functions.\(f′(x)=2sec^2x+3csc^2x\)
\(f′(x)=2sec^2x+3csc^2x\)
Exercise \(\PageIndex{6}\)
Find the slope of the line tangent to the graph of \(f(x)=\tan x \) at \(x=\dfrac{π}{6}\).
Evaluate the derivative at \(x=\dfrac{π}{6}\).
\(\dfrac{4}{3}\)
Higher-Order Derivatives
The higher-order derivatives of \(\sin x\) and \(\cos x\) follow a repeating pattern. By following the pattern, we can find any higher-order derivative of \(\sin x\) and \(\cos x.\)
Example \(\PageIndex{7}\): Finding Higher-Order Derivatives of \(y=\sin x\)
Find the first four derivatives of \(y=\sin x.\)
Each step in the chain is straightforward:
\[y=\sin x\]
\[\dfrac{dy}{dx}=\cos x\]
\[\dfrac{d^2y}{dx^2}=−\sin x\]
\[\dfrac{d^3y}{dx^3}=−\cos x\]
\[\dfrac{d^4y}{dx^4}=\sin x\]
Once we recognize the pattern of derivatives, we can find any higher-order derivative by determining the step in the pattern to which it corresponds. For example, every fourth derivative of sin x equals sin x, so
\[\dfrac{d^4}{dx^4}(\sin x)=\dfrac{d^8}{dx^8}(\sin x)=\dfrac{d^{12}}{dx^{12}}(\sin x)=…=\dfrac{d^{4n}}{dx^{4n}}(\sin x)=\sin x\]
\[\dfrac{d^5}{dx^5}(\sin x)=\dfrac{d^9}{dx^9}(\sin x)=\dfrac{d^{13}}{dx^{13}}(\sin x)=…=\dfrac{d^{4n+1}}{dx^{4n+1}}(\sin x)=\cos x.\]
Exercise \(\PageIndex{7}\)
For \(y=\cos x\), find \(\dfrac{d^4y}{dx^4}\).
See the previous example.
Example \(\PageIndex{8}\): Using the Pattern for Higher-Order Derivatives of \(y=\sin x\)
Find \(\dfrac{d^{74}}{dx^{74}}(\sin x)\).
We can see right away that for the 74th derivative of \(\sin x\),\(74=4(18)+2\), so
\[\dfrac{d^{74}}{dx^{74}}(\sin x)=\dfrac{d^{72+2}}{dx^{72+2}}(\sin x)=\dfrac{d^2}{dx^2}(\sin x)=−\sin x.\]
Exercise \(\PageIndex{8}\)
For \(y=\sin x\), find \[\dfrac{d^{59}}{dx^{59}}(\sin x).\]
\[\dfrac{d^{59}}{dx^{59}}(\sin x)=\dfrac{d^{4⋅14+3}}{dx^{4⋅14+3}}(\sin x)\]
\(−\cos x\)
Example \(\PageIndex{9}\): An Application to Acceleration
A particle moves along a coordinate axis in such a way that its position at time \(t\) is given by \(s(t)=2−sint\). Find \(v(π/4)\) and \(a(π/4)\). Compare these values and decide whether the particle is speeding up or slowing down.
First find \(v(t)=s′(t)\)
\[v(t)=s′(t)=−\cos t .\]
\(v(\dfrac{π}{4})=−\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\).
Next, find \(a(t)=v′(t)\). Thus, \(a(t)=v′(t)=sint\) and we have
\(a(\dfrac{π}{4})=\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\).
Since \(v(\dfrac{π}{4})=−\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{2}}<0\) and \(a(\dfrac{π}{4})=\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{2}}>0\), we see that velocity and acceleration are acting in opposite directions; that is, the object is being accelerated in the direction opposite to the direction in which it is travelling. Consequently, the particle is slowing down.
Exercise \(\PageIndex{9}\)
A block attached to a spring is moving vertically. Its position at time t is given by \(s(t)=2sint\). Find \(v(\dfrac{5π}{6})\) and \(a(\dfrac{5π}{6})\). Compare these values and decide whether the block is speeding up or slowing down.
Use Example 17 as a guide.
\(v(\dfrac{5π}{6})=−\sqrt{3}<0\) and \(a(\dfrac{5π}{6})=−1<0\). The block is speeding up.
Key Concepts
- We can find the derivatives of sin x and cos x by using the definition of derivative and the limit formulas found earlier. The results are
\(\dfrac{d}{dx}\sin x=\cos x\dfrac{d}{dx}\cos x=−\sin x\).
- With these two formulas, we can determine the derivatives of all six basic trigonometric functions.
Key Equations
- Derivative of sine function
\(\dfrac{d}{dx}(\sin x)=\cos x\)
- Derivative of cosine function
\(\dfrac{d}{dx}(\cos x)=−\sin x\)
- Derivative of tangent function
\(\dfrac{d}{dx}(\tan x )=sec^2x\)
- Derivative of cotangent function
\(\dfrac{d}{dx}(\cot x )=−csc^2x\)
- Derivative of secant function
\(\dfrac{d}{dx}(secx)=secx\tan x \)
- Derivative of cosecant function
\(\dfrac{d}{dx}(cscx)=−cscx\cot x \)
Contributors
Gilbert Strang (MIT) and Edwin “Jed” Herman (Harvey Mudd) with many contributing authors. This content by OpenStax is licensed with a CC-BY-SA-NC 4.0 license. Download for free at http://cnx.org .
3.5 Trig Derivatives
Practice Solutions

Corrective Assignment
Below is a walkthrough for the test prep questions. try them on your own first, then watch if you need help. a little suffering is good for you...and it helps you learn..

IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
The derivative of cot(x) is -csc^2(x). The derivatives of the secant, cosecant and cotangent functions are based on the derivatives of their reciprocal trigonometric functions. For example, the derivative of cotangent is equal to the deriva...
To find the derivative of a sin(2x) function, you must be familiar with derivatives of trigonometric functions and the chain rule for finding derivatives. You need scratch paper and can use a graphing calculator to check coordinates and slo...
The derivative of x is 1. A derivative of a function in terms of x can be thought of as the rate of change of the function at a value of x. In the case of f(x) = x, the rate of change is 1 at all values of x.
Taking (and finding) the derivatives of the basic trig functions. 3.5 Derivatives of Trigonometric Functions. 3.4K views · 5 years ago ...more
3.5 Derivatives of Inverse Trigonometric Functions Homework Problems 1 - 12, differentiate. 1. = tan−1 ( ) 3. ℎ = arccos 5. = arctan 1 2. =
3.5 Derivatives of Trig Functions ; Y · sin y ; Y · Sincang ; ho. A = 2 ; hz. 3.5 Derivatives of Trig Functs. ; y=0. compute lim sinh substitute.
... of the problem and rewrite with parentheses. 1. y x sin3. 2. y x x sin. 3. y x cos. 2 y x. 3 3cos. y x x x cos sin y x sin. 2. 4. y x x sin. 5. y x x sin. 6.
Find the derivative of f(x)=5x3sinx. Solution. Using the product rule, we have. f′(x)
f ′ ( x ) = 15 x 2 sin x + 5 x 3 cos x . Checkpoint 3.25.
8 Example 3: A Couple of Jerks a)FYI The jerk caused by the constant acceleration of gravity (g = -32 ft/sec 2 ) is zero. This explains why we don't experience
Derivatives of the Sine and Cosine Functions · 1: Differentiating a Function Containing sin x. Find the derivative of f(x)=5x3sinx. Solution.
Question: EXERCISES 3.5 Derivatives of Trigonometric Functions Score: 9/110 2/11 answered Textbook @ Videos Question 1 B0/10 pts 3 If g(x)
x→-3 √x² - 5 - 2 x→-3. X take
Packet. c_3.5_packet.pdf · 553 kb ; Practice Solutions. c_3.5_practice_solutions.pdf · 621 kb ; Corrective Assignment. c_3.5_ca.pdf · 232 kb.