Trigonometric Derivatives

Differentiate all six trig functions for AP Calculus AB.

Knowing derivatives of all six trig functions is essential for AP Calculus AB.

Derivatives

f(x)f(x) f′(x)f'(x)
sin⁡x\sin x cos⁡x\cos x
cos⁡x\cos x −sin⁡x-\sin x
tan⁡x\tan x sec⁡2x\sec^2 x
csc⁡x\csc x −csc⁡xcot⁡x-\csc x \cot x
sec⁡x\sec x sec⁡xtan⁡x\sec x \tan x
cot⁡x\cot x −csc⁡2x-\csc^2 x

With Chain Rule

ddx[sin⁡(u)]=cos⁡(u)⋅u′\frac{d}{dx}[\sin(u)] = \cos(u) \cdot u'

ddx[tan⁡(3x)]=3sec⁡2(3x)\frac{d}{dx}[\tan(3x)] = 3\sec^2(3x)

Worked Examples

y=sin⁡(x2)y = \sin(x^2) → y′=2xcos⁡(x2)y' = 2x\cos(x^2).

y=sec⁡(5x)y = \sec(5x) → y′=5sec⁡(5x)tan⁡(5x)y' = 5\sec(5x)\tan(5x).

Practice Problems

    1. ddx[cos⁡(3x2)]\frac{d}{dx}[\cos(3x^2)].
    1. ddx[xtan⁡x]\frac{d}{dx}[x\tan x] (product rule).
    1. ddx[csc⁡(ex)]\frac{d}{dx}[\csc(e^x)].

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Key Takeaways

  • ✓

    Memorize all 6 derivatives.

  • ✓

    Apply chain rule for composite trig functions.

  • ✓

    'Co-' functions have negative derivatives.

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