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Ch. 3 - Derivatives
Hass - Thomas' Calculus 15th Edition
Hass15th EditionThomas' CalculusISBN: 9780137616077Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 3, Problem 3.5.15

Derivatives


In Exercises 1–18, find dy/dx.


y = (sec x + tan x)(sec x − tan x)

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1
Recognize that the expression y = (sec x + tan x)(sec x − tan x) is a product of two functions. To find dy/dx, we will use the product rule for differentiation, which states that if y = u(x)v(x), then dy/dx = u'(x)v(x) + u(x)v'(x).
Identify the two functions: u(x) = sec x + tan x and v(x) = sec x − tan x.
Differentiate u(x) with respect to x. The derivative of sec x is sec x tan x, and the derivative of tan x is sec^2 x. Therefore, u'(x) = sec x tan x + sec^2 x.
Differentiate v(x) with respect to x. Similarly, v'(x) = sec x tan x - sec^2 x.
Apply the product rule: dy/dx = (sec x tan x + sec^2 x)(sec x − tan x) + (sec x + tan x)(sec x tan x - sec^2 x). Simplify the expression by expanding and combining like terms.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Product Rule

The Product Rule is a fundamental differentiation technique used when finding the derivative of a product of two functions. It states that if you have two functions u(x) and v(x), the derivative of their product is given by d(uv)/dx = u'v + uv'. This rule is essential for the given problem, as the expression involves the product of two binomials.
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The Product Rule

Chain Rule

The Chain Rule is another critical differentiation principle that allows us to differentiate composite functions. If a function y is defined as a composition of two functions, say y = f(g(x)), the Chain Rule states that dy/dx = f'(g(x)) * g'(x). This concept may be relevant if the functions within the product involve more complex expressions that require differentiation of inner functions.
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Intro to the Chain Rule

Trigonometric Derivatives

Understanding the derivatives of trigonometric functions is crucial for solving problems involving secant and tangent functions. The derivatives are given by d(sec x)/dx = sec x tan x and d(tan x)/dx = sec^2 x. Recognizing these derivatives will facilitate the differentiation of the given expression, allowing for a more straightforward application of the Product Rule.
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Derivatives of Other Inverse Trigonometric Functions