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
3. Techniques of Differentiation
The Chain Rule
Problem 3.7.106a
Textbook Question
Deriving trigonometric identities
a. Differentiate both sides of the identity cos 2t = cos² t−sin² t to prove that sin 2 t= 2 sin t cos t.
![](/channels/images/assetPage/verifiedSolution.png)
1
Step 1: Differentiate the left side of the identity with respect to t. The left side is \( \cos(2t) \). Using the chain rule, the derivative is \(-2\sin(2t)\).
Step 2: Differentiate the right side of the identity with respect to t. The right side is \( \cos^2(t) - \sin^2(t) \). Use the chain rule and the power rule to differentiate each term separately.
Step 3: For \( \cos^2(t) \), use the chain rule: the derivative is \( 2\cos(t)(-\sin(t)) = -2\cos(t)\sin(t) \).
Step 4: For \( \sin^2(t) \), use the chain rule: the derivative is \( 2\sin(t)\cos(t) \).
Step 5: Combine the derivatives from steps 3 and 4: \(-2\cos(t)\sin(t) - 2\sin(t)\cos(t) = -2\sin(t)\cos(t) - 2\sin(t)\cos(t) = -4\sin(t)\cos(t)\). Set this equal to the derivative from step 1, \(-2\sin(2t)\), and simplify to show \( \sin(2t) = 2\sin(t)\cos(t) \).
Recommended similar problem, with video answer:
![](/channels/images/assetPage/verifiedSolution.png)
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
4mPlay a video:
Was this helpful?
Watch next
Master Intro to the Chain Rule with a bite sized video explanation from Callie
Start learning