Math Doubts

Find $\dfrac{d}{dx} \sin(x^2)$

Actually, $\sin{x}$ is a trigonometric function and $x^2$ is an exponential function in algebraic form. They both formed a special function by the composition of them.

Problem in finding Differentiation of function

According to the derivative of $\sin{x}$ with respect to $x$ formula, the derivative of $\sin{x}$ with respect to $x$ is equal to $\cos{x}$.

$\dfrac{d}{dx}{\sin{x}} = \cos{x}$

This formula cannot be applied directly to this derivative problem due to the angle difference of the trigonometric function.

Apply Chain Rule

Chain rule is only one solution to deal functions which are formed by the composition of two or more functions.

$\dfrac{d}{dx}{\sin{(x^2)}}$

Take $y = x^2$, then $\dfrac{dy}{dx} = 2x$, therefore $dy = 2xdx$ and then $dx = \dfrac{dy}{2x}$. Now, transform the whole differential function by this data.

$= \dfrac{d}{\dfrac{dy}{2x}}{\sin{y}}$

$= 2x\dfrac{d}{dy}{\sin{y}}$

Differentiate the function

Now, differentiate the sine function with respect to $y$.

$= 2x\cos{y}$

Eliminate the y terms by its replacement

Actually, $y = x^2$. So, replace the term $y$ by its replacement for obtaining the required result of this differentiation problem in calculus.

$\therefore \,\,\,\,\,\, \dfrac{d}{dx}{\sin{(x^2)}} = 2x\cos{x^2}$

Ashok Kumar B.E. - Founder of Math Doubts

Ashok Kumar, B.E.

Founder of Math Doubts

A Specialist in Mathematics, Physics, and Engineering, dedicated to helping students master math concepts from basics to advanced levels with clarity and precision.