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What is the derivative of sec2(x) ?

Answer
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Hint: The derivative of sec2(x) can be found using the quotient and the chain rule in trigonometry. Firstly, We find the derivative of secx by considering u=sec(x) . Then, we find the derivative of u2 to get the required result.

Complete step-by-step solution:
We are given a function and need to find the derivative of it. We solve this question using the quotient and the chain rule in differentiation.
The chain rule is used to find the derivatives of the composite functions.
Let us consider,
u=secx
Differentiating the above equation on both sides with respect to x , we get,
dudx=ddx(secx)
From trigonometry,
We know that secant function is the inverse of the cosine function.
secx=1cosx
Substituting the same, we get,
dudx=ddx(1cosx)
The Quotient rule of differentiation is given as follows,
ddx(mn)=(ndmdxmdndx)n2
Applying the quotient rule of differentiation to the above equation, we get,
dudx=(cosxd(1)dx1d(cosx)dx)cos2x
The derivative of any constant function c is always zero expressed as follows,
d(c)dx=0
The derivative of the cosine function is negative of sine function expressed as follows,
ddx(cosx)=sinx
Substituting the values in the above expression,
dudx=(01(sinx))cos2x
Let us evaluate it further.
dudx=sinxcos2x
Splitting the denominator, we get,
dudx=sinxcosx×1cosx
dudx=tanxsecx
Substituting the value of u in the above equation,
d(secx)dx=tanxsecx
Now,
Let us consider a variable such that,
v=u2
Differentiating the equation on both sides, we get,
dvdx=d(u2)dx
dvdx=2ududx
Substituting the value of dudx from the above, we get,
 dvdx=2u×tanxsecx
We know that u=secx . Substituting the value of u , we get,
dvdx=2×secx×tanxsecx
dvdx=2sec2xtanx
Substituting the value of v ,
d(u2)dx=2sec2xtanx
d(sec2x)dx=2sec2xtanx

Note: We must remember that the derivative of any constant function is zero. One of the most common mistakes in derivatives is choosing the right rule of differentiation.
1. If two functions are multiplying each other, we must apply the product rule.
2. If two functions are dividing each other, we must apply the quotient rule.
3. If the given function is composite, we must apply the chain rule.

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