The Derivative of the basic Trigonometric Functions

Sketch the derivative of y = sinx. Do you recognize it?

Using first principles you can derive this…

Sketch the derivative of y = cosx. Do you recognize it?

Sketch the derivative of y = tanx. Do you recognize it?

You could also have obtained this derivative by first principles or by differentiation using
sin x
the quotient rule and the fact that tan x = cos x
Sketch the derivative of y = cot x. Do you recognize it?

You could also have obtained it by first principles or by using the quotient rule to
cos x 1
differentiate: y = or by differentiating y =
sin x tan x

Sketch the derivative of y = secx. Do you recognize it?

The derivative of the secant and cosecant graphs are not easily recognizable. You can
determine them by using trigonometric identities and differentiating.
Example #1

Differentiate each of the following:

a) y = sin( 4 x )

b) y = sin( x − 3)

c) y = sin( x 3 )

d) y = sin 4 x

e) y = cos( 3 x + 2)

f) y = 3 tan( 2 x)
Example #2

Differentiate: y = x 2 cos(3 x )

Example #3

If sin x + sin y = 1, find the derivative of y with respect to x.

Example #4

1
Differentiate: f ( x) =
1 + tan x

Example #5

3 2
Differentiate: y = 2 csc (3 x )
Example #6

2
If tan y = x , fine the derivative of y with respect to x. When y = π
4

Example #7

2
Find the derivative of : y = tan (cos(5 x ))

Example #8

The top of a ladder 3m long is slipping down a wall at a rate of 0.2m/minute. How
quickly is the angle that the base of the ladder makes with the ground changing when it is
thirty degrees?