Table of contents
- 0. Functions7h 52m
- Introduction to Functions16m
- Piecewise Functions10m
- Properties of Functions9m
- Common Functions1h 8m
- Transformations5m
- Combining Functions27m
- Exponent rules32m
- Exponential Functions28m
- Logarithmic Functions24m
- Properties of Logarithms34m
- Exponential & Logarithmic Equations35m
- Introduction to Trigonometric Functions38m
- Graphs of Trigonometric Functions44m
- Trigonometric Identities47m
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions48m
- 1. Limits and Continuity2h 2m
- 2. Intro to Derivatives1h 33m
- 3. Techniques of Differentiation3h 18m
- 4. Applications of Derivatives2h 38m
- 5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives6h 2m
- 6. Derivatives of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 37m
- 7. Antiderivatives & Indefinite Integrals1h 26m
- 8. Definite Integrals4h 44m
- 9. Graphical Applications of Integrals2h 27m
- 10. Physics Applications of Integrals 2h 22m
3. Techniques of Differentiation
Derivatives of Trig Functions
Problem 3.5.54
Textbook Question
Verifying derivative formulas Verify the following derivative formulas using the Quotient Rule.
d/dx (csc x) = -csc x cot x

1
Start by recalling the definition of the cosecant function: \( \csc x = \frac{1}{\sin x} \). We need to find the derivative of this function with respect to \( x \).
Apply the Quotient Rule for derivatives, which states that if you have a function \( \frac{u}{v} \), its derivative is \( \frac{v \cdot u' - u \cdot v'}{v^2} \). Here, \( u = 1 \) and \( v = \sin x \).
Calculate the derivatives: \( u' = 0 \) since the derivative of a constant is zero, and \( v' = \cos x \) since the derivative of \( \sin x \) is \( \cos x \).
Substitute these into the Quotient Rule formula: \( \frac{\sin x \cdot 0 - 1 \cdot \cos x}{(\sin x)^2} = \frac{-\cos x}{\sin^2 x} \).
Recognize that \( \frac{-\cos x}{\sin^2 x} \) can be rewritten using trigonometric identities as \( -\csc x \cdot \cot x \), thus verifying the derivative formula \( \frac{d}{dx}(\csc x) = -\csc x \cot x \).

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Quotient Rule
The Quotient Rule is a fundamental technique in calculus used to differentiate functions that are expressed as the ratio of two other functions. It states that if you have a function f(x) = g(x)/h(x), the derivative f'(x) can be calculated using the formula f'(x) = (g'(x)h(x) - g(x)h'(x)) / (h(x))^2. This rule is essential for verifying derivatives of functions like csc(x), which can be expressed as a quotient.
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Cosecant Function
The cosecant function, denoted as csc(x), is the reciprocal of the sine function, defined as csc(x) = 1/sin(x). Understanding the properties and behavior of the cosecant function is crucial for differentiating it, as it influences the application of the Quotient Rule. Additionally, knowing the relationship between csc(x) and sin(x) helps in simplifying the derivative calculations.
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Graphs of Secant and Cosecant Functions
Trigonometric Identities
Trigonometric identities are equations involving trigonometric functions that hold true for all values of the variables involved. Key identities, such as sin^2(x) + cos^2(x) = 1, are often used in calculus to simplify expressions and derivatives. Familiarity with these identities is important when verifying derivative formulas, as they can help in transforming and simplifying the resulting expressions from the differentiation process.
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Verifying Trig Equations as Identities
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