How do you differentiate sin Inverse 2x?
Space & NavigationUnlocking the Mystery: Differentiating arcsin(2x) Like a Pro
Okay, so you’re staring at arcsin(2x), also known as sin⁻¹(2x), and wondering how to find its derivative. It can look intimidating, I get it! But trust me, with a little calculus know-how, especially the chain rule, it’s totally doable. Let’s break it down together, step by step.
First, a Quick Refresher
Before we dive in, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page with a few key ideas.
- Inverse Sine, Explained Simply: Think of arcsin(x) as the “undo” button for the sine function. If sin(y) gives you x, then arcsin(x) gets you back to y. Just remember, arcsin(x) only works for x values between -1 and 1, and the result (y) will always be between -π/2 and π/2.
- Derivatives: The Rate of Change: A derivative basically tells you how much a function is changing at any given point. Imagine you’re driving a car; the derivative is like your speedometer, showing how your speed changes as you press the gas pedal.
- The Chain Rule: Your Secret Weapon: This is the big one! The chain rule is how we handle functions inside other functions, like our arcsin(2x). It says: if you have y = f(g(x)), then dy/dx = f'(g(x)) * g'(x). In plain English, you differentiate the outer function first, keeping the inner function as is, and then multiply by the derivative of the inner function. Sounds complicated, but it’s not so bad once you get the hang of it.
The Foundation: Derivative of arcsin(x)
You absolutely need to know this: the derivative of plain old arcsin(x) is 1 / √(1 – x²). Memorize it, tattoo it on your arm, whatever works! This is our starting point.
Cracking the Code: Differentiating arcsin(2x)
Alright, let’s get our hands dirty with arcsin(2x). This is where the chain rule shines.
Spot the Layers:
- The outer layer: f(u) = arcsin(u)
- The inner layer: g(x) = 2x
Chain Rule Time!
We’re going to use this formula: d/dx arcsin(2x) = d/du arcsin(u) * d/dx 2x
Outer Layer, Differentiated:
We know d/du arcsin(u) = 1 / √(1 – u²). Now, replace u with 2x: 1 / √(1 – (2x)²) = 1 / √(1 – 4x²)
Inner Layer, Differentiated:
The derivative of 2x? Easy peasy, it’s just 2.
Put It All Together:
Multiply the two parts we just found:
d/dx arcsin(2x) = 1 / √(1 – 4x²) * 2 = 2 / √(1 – 4x²)
Boom! The derivative of arcsin(2x) is 2 / √(1 – 4x²). Just a little heads-up: this is only true when x is between -1/2 and 1/2. Otherwise, that square root gets a little…unhappy (we end up with imaginary numbers, which is a whole other can of worms).
Another Way to Skin the Cat: Implicit Differentiation
Want to see another trick? You can also use implicit differentiation. It’s like solving a mystery from a different angle.
Let y = arcsin(2x):
This means sin(y) = 2x.
Differentiate Both Sides:
d/dx sin(y) = d/dx 2x
This gives us cos(y) * dy/dx = 2
Isolate dy/dx:
dy/dx = 2 / cos(y)
Get Rid of That cos(y):
Remember the good old sin²(y) + cos²(y) = 1? We can use that!
cos²(y) = 1 – sin²(y) = 1 – (2x)² = 1 – 4x²
So, cos(y) = √(1 – 4x²)
Plug It Back In:
dy/dx = 2 / √(1 – 4x²)
Ta-da! Same answer as before. Pretty cool, huh?
Final Thoughts
Differentiating arcsin(2x) might have seemed like a Herculean task, but now you’ve got it down. Whether you prefer the chain rule or implicit differentiation, you’ve added another tool to your calculus toolbox. Keep practicing, and you’ll be differentiating like a math ninja in no time!
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