MATH05

Basic Calculus
Course Outcome 3
• Lesson 1: Differentiation of Trigonometric Functions

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Lesson 1: Differentiation
of Trigonometric
Functions

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Lesson 1: Differentiation of Trigonometric
Functions
Objectives:
At the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
1. Derive the formula for differentiation of six trigonometric functions.
(Four-step process for 𝑓 𝑥 = sin 𝑥 and 𝑓 𝑥 = cos 𝑥, and
differentiation rules for others).
2. Apply differentiation rules for trigonometric functions.
3. Evaluate higher-order derivatives of trigonometric functions.
4. Illustrate implicit differentiation for trigonometric functions.

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Lesson 1: Differentiation of Trigonometric
Functions
• 1.1. Four-step Process and Differentiation Rules
• 1.2. Higher-Order Derivatives Involving Trigonometric
Expressions
• 1.3. Implicit Differentiation Involving Trigonometric
Expressions

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1.1. Four-Step Process
and Differentiation Rules

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1.1. Four-Step Process and Differentiation
Rules
Definition of the Derivative
Let 𝑓 be a function defined on an open interval 𝐼 ⊆ 𝑅, and let 𝑥0 ∈ 𝐼. The
derivative of 𝑓 at 𝑥 is defined to be

𝑓 𝑥 + Δ𝑥 − 𝑓( 𝑥)
𝑓′ 𝑥 = lim
Δ𝑥→ 0 Δ𝑥

if this limit exists. The derivative function 𝑓 ′(𝑥) is sometimes also called a
slope-predictor function.

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1.1. Four-Step Process and Differentiation
Rules
Confusion may arise if you think of Δ𝑥 as Δ × 𝑥 or Δ as an operator that
affects 𝑥. Here, Δ𝑥 should be treated like any other variable. Therefore,
many textbooks use ℎ instead of Δ𝑥. In this case our definition of the
derivative for the Four-step Process becomes
𝑓 𝑥 + ℎ − 𝑓( 𝑥)
𝑓′ 𝑥 = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ

Usually, this is the definition used to obtain the general expression of the
derivative of a function at any point 𝑥 ∈ 𝐼.

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1.1. Four-Step Process and Differentiation
Rules
The following is a Four-step Process to compute 𝑓 ′(𝑥) by definition.
STEP 1: Write 𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) and 𝑓(𝑥).
STEP 2: Compute 𝑓 𝑥 + ℎ − 𝑓(𝑥). Combine like terms. If ℎ is a common factor of
the terms, factor the expression by removing the common factor ℎ (if possible).
𝑓 𝑥+ℎ −𝑓(𝑥)
STEP 3: Simplify . As ℎ → 0 in the last step, we must cancel the zero
ℎ
factor ℎ in the denominator in STEP 3.
𝑓 𝑥+ℎ −𝑓(𝑥)
STEP 4: Compute lim ℎ
by letting ℎ → 0 in the simplified expression.
ℎ→0

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1.1. Four-Step Process and Differentiation
Rules
Example 1.1.1. Let 𝑓 𝑥 = sin 𝑥 and 𝑔 𝑥 = cos 𝑥. Find 𝑓 ′(2𝜋) and 𝑔 ′(𝜋).
Solution: We use the definition of the derivative for Four-step Process.

(a) Here, we substitute 𝑥 = 2𝜋 for 𝑓 𝑥 = sin 𝑥.

STEP 1: Write 𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) and 𝑓(𝑥). (where 𝑥 = 2𝜋)

𝑓 𝑥 = sin 𝑥
𝑓 2𝜋 = sin 2𝜋

𝑓 𝑥 + ℎ = sin(𝑥 + ℎ)
𝑓 2𝜋 + ℎ = sin(2𝜋 + ℎ)

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1.1. Four-Step Process and Differentiation
Rules
Example 1.1.1. Let 𝑓 𝑥 = sin 𝑥 and 𝑔 𝑥 = cos 𝑥. Find 𝑓 ′(2𝜋) and 𝑔 ′(𝜋).

STEP 2: Compute 𝑓 𝑥 + ℎ − 𝑓(𝑥). Combine like terms. If ℎ is a common factor of

the terms, factor the expression by removing the common factor ℎ (if possible).

𝑓 2𝜋 + ℎ − 𝑓 2𝜋 = sin 2𝜋 + ℎ − sin 2𝜋
𝑓 2𝜋 + ℎ − 𝑓 2𝜋 = sin(2𝜋 + ℎ) − 0
𝑓 2𝜋 + ℎ − 𝑓 2𝜋 = sin(2𝜋 + ℎ)

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1.1. Four-Step Process and Differentiation
Rules
Example 1.1.1. Let 𝑓 𝑥 = sin 𝑥 and 𝑔 𝑥 = cos 𝑥. Find 𝑓 ′ (2𝜋) and 𝑔′ (𝜋).
𝑓 𝑥+ℎ −𝑓(𝑥)
STEP 3: Simplify . As ℎ → 0 in the last step, we must cancel the zero factor ℎ in the denominator in STEP 3.
ℎ

𝑓 2𝜋 + ℎ − 𝑓 2𝜋 sin 2𝜋 + ℎ
=
ℎ ℎ

Using the sum identity of the sine function: sin(𝑎 + 𝑏) = sin 𝑎 cos 𝑏 + cos 𝑎 sin 𝑏, and noting that sin(2𝜋) = 0 and cos(2𝜋) = 1,
we get
sin 2𝜋 + ℎ sin(2𝜋) cos ℎ + cos(2𝜋) sin ℎ
=
ℎ ℎ
0 cos ℎ + (1)(sin ℎ)
=
ℎ
sinℎ
=
ℎ

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1.1. Four-Step Process and Differentiation
Rules
Example 1.1.1. Let 𝑓 𝑥 = sin 𝑥 and 𝑔 𝑥 = cos 𝑥. Find 𝑓 ′ (2𝜋) and 𝑔′ (𝜋).
𝑓 𝑥+ℎ −𝑓(𝑥)
STEP 4: Compute lim by letting ℎ → 0 in the simplified expression.
ℎ→0 ℎ

𝑓 2𝜋 + ℎ − 𝑓(2𝜋) sin ℎ
𝑓 ′ 2𝜋 = lim = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ ℎ→0 ℎ

𝑓 ′ 2𝜋 = 1

Why is the answer equal to 1?

We have some limits with established equivalent value:
sin𝑥 1 − cos 𝑥 𝑒𝑥 − 1
𝑖 lim =1 𝑖𝑖 lim =0 𝑖𝑖𝑖 lim =1
𝑥→0 𝑥 𝑥→0 𝑥 𝑥→0 𝑥
Therefore,
sin ℎ
lim =1
ℎ→0 ℎ

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1.1. Four-Step Process and Differentiation
Rules
Example 1.1.1. Let 𝑓 𝑥 = sin 𝑥 and 𝑔 𝑥 = cos 𝑥. Find 𝑓 ′(2𝜋) and 𝑔 ′(𝜋).
(b) Here, we substitute 𝑥 = 𝜋 for 𝑔 𝑥 = cos 𝑥.
STEP 1: Write 𝑓(𝑥 + ℎ) and 𝑓(𝑥). (where 𝑥 = 𝜋)
𝑔 𝑥 = cos 𝑥
𝑔 𝜋 = cos 𝜋

𝑔 𝑥 + ℎ = cos(𝑥 + ℎ)
𝑔 𝜋 + ℎ = cos(𝜋 + ℎ)

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1.1. Four-Step Process and Differentiation
Rules
Example 1.1.1. Let 𝑓 𝑥 = sin 𝑥 and 𝑔 𝑥 = cos 𝑥. Find 𝑓 ′(2𝜋) and 𝑔 ′(𝜋).
STEP 2: Compute 𝑓 𝑥 + ℎ − 𝑓(𝑥). Combine like terms. If ℎ is a common factor of
the terms, factor the expression by removing the common factor ℎ (if possible).

𝑔 𝜋 + ℎ − 𝑔 𝜋 = cos 𝜋 + ℎ − cos(𝜋)
Since cos 𝜋 = −1,
𝑔 𝜋 + ℎ − 𝑔 𝜋 = cos 𝜋 + ℎ − (−1)
𝑔 𝜋 + ℎ − 𝑔 𝜋 = cos 𝜋 + ℎ + 1

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1.1. Four-Step Process and Differentiation
Rules
Example 1.1.1. Let 𝑓 𝑥 = sin 𝑥 and 𝑔 𝑥 = cos 𝑥. Find 𝑓 ′ (2𝜋) and 𝑔′ (𝜋).
𝑓 𝑥+ℎ −𝑓(𝑥)
STEP 3: Simplify . As ℎ → 0 in the last step, we must cancel the zero factor ℎ in the denominator in STEP 3.
ℎ

𝑔 𝜋 + ℎ − 𝑔(𝜋) cos 𝜋 + ℎ + 1
=
ℎ ℎ

Using the sum identity of the cosine function: cos 𝑎 + 𝑏 = cos 𝑎 cos 𝑏 − sin 𝑎 sin𝑏, and noting that cos 𝜋 = −1 and sin𝜋 = 0, we
get
cos 𝜋 + ℎ + 1 cos 𝜋 cos ℎ − sin 𝜋 sinℎ + 1
=
ℎ ℎ
−1 cos ℎ − 0 sin ℎ + 1
=
ℎ
− cos(ℎ) + 1
=
ℎ

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1.1. Four-Step Process and Differentiation
Rules
Example 1.1.1. Let 𝑓 𝑥 = sin 𝑥 and 𝑔 𝑥 = cos 𝑥. Find 𝑓 ′ (2𝜋) and 𝑔′ (𝜋).
𝑓 𝑥+ℎ −𝑓(𝑥)
STEP 4: Compute lim by letting ℎ → 0 in the simplified expression.
ℎ→0 ℎ

− cos ℎ + 1
𝑔′ 𝜋 = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
By rearranging the equation, we will come up with a limit with an established equivalent value.
1 − cos ℎ
𝑔′ 𝜋 = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ

𝑔′ 𝜋 = 0

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1.1. Four-Step Process and Differentiation
Rules
Rules of Differentiation
We see from the previous topic that computing derivatives using the
definition is a lengthy process. What follows next are rules that will enable us
to find derivatives easily. We call them DIFFERENTIATION RULES.

DIFFERENTIATING TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS

We will look at the derivatives of the trigonometric functions:
sin 𝑥 , cos 𝑥 , tan 𝑥 , sec 𝑥 , csc 𝑥 , cot 𝑥

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1.1. Four-Step Process and Differentiation
Rules
We will start this topic by recalling/reviewing the trigonometric functions involving some identities,
that is,

sin 𝑥 cos 𝑥 1 1
tan 𝑥 = , cot 𝑥 = , sec 𝑥 = , csc 𝑥 =
cos 𝑥 sin 𝑥 cos 𝑥 sin 𝑥

And some important limits previously discussed such as,

sin 𝑥 1 − cos 𝑥
lim =1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 lim =0
𝑥→0 𝑥 𝑥→0 𝑥

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1.1. Four-Step Process and Differentiation
Rules
Differentiation Rules for trigonometric functions
𝑑 𝑑
a sin 𝑥 = cos 𝑥 d cot 𝑥 = − csc 2 𝑥
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑 𝑑
b cos 𝑥 = − sin 𝑥 e sec 𝑥 = sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑 𝑑
c tan 𝑥 = sec 2 𝑥 f csc 𝑥 = − csc 𝑥 cot 𝑥
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

The proof of (a) will be presented on the next slide. Statement (b) can be proven similarly.

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1.1. Four-Step Process and Differentiation
Rules
Proof. Expanding sin(𝑥 + ℎ) using the trigonometric sum identity, we obtain
sin(𝑥 + ℎ) − sin 𝑥
𝐷𝑥 sin 𝑥 = lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
sin 𝑥 cos ℎ + cos 𝑥 sin ℎ − sin 𝑥
= lim
ℎ→0 ℎ
sin ℎ 1 − cos ℎ
= lim cos 𝑥 ∙ + − sin ℎ ∙
ℎ→0 ℎ ℎ
sin ℎ 1 − cos ℎ
= cos 𝑥 ∙ lim − sin 𝑥 ∙ lim
ℎ→0 ℎ ℎ→0 ℎ
= cos 𝑥 1 − (sin 𝑥)(0)
= cos 𝑥

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1.1. Four-Step Process and Differentiation
Rules
Statements (c) – (f) can be proved using statements (a) and (b) and the Quotient Rule.

We only present the proof of (c) below.

Proof. Using Quotient Rule and statements (a) and (b) above, we have
sin 𝑥 cos 𝑥 ∙ 𝐷𝑥 sin 𝑥 − sin 𝑥 ∙ 𝐷𝑥 (cos 𝑥)
𝐷𝑥 tan 𝑥 = 𝐷𝑥 =
cos 𝑥 cos 𝑥 2
cos 𝑥 cos 𝑥 − (sin 𝑥)(− sin 𝑥)
=
cos2 𝑥
cos2 𝑥 + sin2 𝑥
=
cos2 𝑥
1
Using the identity cos2 𝑥 + sin2 𝑥 = 1, we get 𝐷𝑥 tan 𝑥 = cos2 𝑥 = sec 2 𝑥.

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1.1. Four-Step Process and Differentiation
Rules
Example 1.1.2. Differentiate the following functions:
a 𝑓 𝑥 = sec 𝑥 + 3 csc 𝑥 b 𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 sin 𝑥 − 3𝑥 cos 𝑥 + 5 sin 𝑥

Solution: Applying the formulas we’ve discussed, we get

(a) If 𝑓 𝑥 = sec 𝑥 + 3 csc 𝑥, then

𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥 + 3 − csc 𝑥 cot 𝑥 = sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥 − 3 csc 𝑥 cot 𝑥

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1.1. Four-Step Process and Differentiation
Rules
Example 1.1.2. Differentiate the following functions:
a 𝑓 𝑥 = sec 𝑥 + 3 csc 𝑥 b 𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 sin 𝑥 − 3𝑥 cos 𝑥 + 5 sin 𝑥

Solution: Applying the formulas we’ve discussed, we get

(b) If 𝑔 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 sin 𝑥 − 3𝑥 cos 𝑥 + 5 sin 𝑥, then

𝑔′ 𝑥 = 𝑥 2 cos 𝑥 + sin 𝑥 2𝑥 − 3 𝑥 − sin 𝑥 + cos 𝑥 1 + 5 cos 𝑥
= 𝑥 2 cos 𝑥 + 2𝑥 sin 𝑥 + 3𝑥 sin 𝑥 − 3 cos 𝑥 + 5 cos 𝑥
= 𝑥 2 cos 𝑥 + 5𝑥 sin 𝑥 + 2 cos 𝑥

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1.1. Four-Step Process and Differentiation
Rules
Example 1.1.3.

1. 𝑓 𝑥 = 2 sin 𝑥 3. 𝑓 𝑥 = tan 𝑥 − 𝑥
𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = 2(cos𝑥)
𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = sec 2 𝑥 − 1
= 2 cos 𝑥

2. 𝑦 = 3 sin 𝑥 cos 𝑥 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = tan2 𝑥

𝑦 ′ = 3 sin 𝑥 − sin 𝑥 + cos𝑥 cos𝑥

𝑦 ′ = 3 − sin2 𝑥 + cos 2 𝑥

𝑦 ′ = 3[cos2𝑥]

𝑦 ′ = 3 cos 2𝑥

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1.1. Four-Step Process and Differentiation
Rules
Remarks:
1. Whenever Derivatives of Trigonometric Functions are applied to
problems where the trigonometric functions are viewed as functions of
angles, the unit measure must be in radians.
2. Every trigonometric function is differentiable on its domain. In
particular, the sine and cosine functions are everywhere differentiable.

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1.2. Higher-Order
Derivatives Involving
Trigonometric
Expressions

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1.2. Higher-Order Derivatives Involving
Trigonometric Expressions
𝑑𝑦
Consider the function 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥). The derivative 𝑦 ′ , 𝑓 ′ 𝑥 , 𝐷𝑥 𝑦 𝑜𝑟 is called the first derivative
𝑑𝑥
of 𝑓 with respect to 𝑥. The derivative of the first derivative is called the second derivative of 𝑓 with
respect to 𝑥 and is denoted by any of the following symbols:

′′ ′′ 𝑑2𝑦
𝑦 , 𝑓 𝑥 , 𝐷𝑥2 𝑦,
𝑑𝑥 2
The third derivative of 𝑓 with respect to 𝑥 is the derivative of the second derivative and is denoted
by any of the following symbols:
𝑑3𝑦
𝑦 ′′′ , 𝑓 ′′′ 𝑥 , 𝐷𝑥3 𝑦,
𝑑𝑥 3

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1.2. Higher-Order Derivatives Involving
Trigonometric Expressions
In general, the 𝑛𝑡ℎ derivative of 𝑓 with respect to 𝑥 is the derivative of the 𝑛 − 1 𝑠𝑡 derivative and is denoted by any of the
following symbols:
𝑑𝑛𝑦
𝑦𝑛 , 𝑓𝑛 𝑥 , 𝐷𝑥𝑛𝑦,
𝑑𝑥 𝑛
Formally, we have the following definition.

The 𝑛𝑡ℎ derivative of the function 𝑓 is defined recursively by

𝑓 𝑥 + ℎ − 𝑓(𝑥)
𝑓 ′ 𝑥 = lim 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑛 = 1, 𝑎𝑛𝑑
ℎ→0 ℎ

𝑓 𝑛−1 𝑥 + ℎ − 𝑓 𝑛−1(𝑥)
𝑓𝑛 𝑥 = lim 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑛 > 1,
ℎ→0 ℎ

Provided that these limits exist. Thus, the nth derivative of 𝑓 is just the derivative of the 𝑛 − 1 𝑠𝑡 derivative of 𝑓.

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1.2. Higher-Order Derivatives Involving
Trigonometric Expressions
Example 1.2.1.

Find the 27𝑡ℎ derivative of cos 𝑥.

Solution:
𝑑 27 𝑑3
cos 𝑥 =? cos 𝑥 = sin 𝑥
𝑑𝑥 27 𝑑𝑥 3

𝑑 𝑑4
cos 𝑥 = − sin 𝑥 cos 𝑥 = cos 𝑥
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 4

𝑑2
cos 𝑥 = − cos 𝑥
𝑑𝑥 2

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1.2. Higher-Order Derivatives Involving
Trigonometric Expressions
Example 1.2.1.

Find the 27𝑡ℎ derivative of cos 𝑥.

Answer:

The 4th , 8 th , 12th , 16th , 20th , 24th , and 28th derivative of cos 𝑥 is cos 𝑥. By looking at the trend of the
derivatives of cos 𝑥, we can determine the 27th derivative of cos 𝑥.

Since the 28th derivative is cos 𝑥, we go back one step on the trend to determine the 27th derivative of cos 𝑥.

Therefore, the 27th derivative of cos 𝑥 is sin 𝑥.

𝑑 27
cos 𝑥 = sin 𝑥
𝑑𝑥 27

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1.3. Implicit
Differentiation Involving
Trigonometric
Expressions

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1.3. Implicit Differentiation Involving
Trigonometric Expressions
Functions are not always given in the form 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) but in a more complicated form that makes it
difficult or impossible to express 𝑦 explicitly in terms of 𝑥. Such functions are called implicit
functions, and 𝑦 is said to be defined implicitly. In this topic, we explain how these can be
differentiated using a method called implicit differentiation.

Differentiating quantities involving only the variable 𝑥 with respect to 𝑥 is not a problem; for
instance, the derivative of 𝑥 is just 1. But if a function 𝑦 is defined implicitly, then we need to apply
the Chain Rule in getting its derivative. So, while the derivative of 𝑥 2 is 2𝑥, the derivative of 𝑦 2 is
𝑑𝑦
2𝑦
𝑑𝑥

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1.3. Implicit Differentiation Involving
Trigonometric Expressions
More generally if we have the expression 𝑓(𝑦), where 𝑦 is a function of
𝑥, then

𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑦
𝑓 𝑦 = 𝑓 𝑦 ∙
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑥

To master implicit differentiation, you need to review and master the

application of the Chain Rule.

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1.3. Implicit Differentiation Involving
Trigonometric Expressions
Example 1.3.1.
Differentiate 𝑥 sin 𝑦 = 𝑥𝑦 with respect to 𝑥.
Solution:
𝑥 sin 𝑦 = 𝑥𝑦
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
𝑥 cos 𝑦 + sin 𝑦 1 = 𝑥 + 𝑦 1
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
𝑥 cos 𝑦 𝑑𝑥 + sin 𝑦 = 𝑥 𝑑𝑥
+ 𝑦
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1.3. Implicit Differentiation Involving
Trigonometric Expressions
Solution:
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
𝑥 cos 𝑦 −𝑥 = 𝑦 − sin 𝑦
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦
𝑥 cos 𝑦 − 𝑥 = 𝑦 − sin 𝑦
𝑑𝑥

𝑑𝑦 𝑦 − sin 𝑦
=
𝑑𝑥 𝑥 cos 𝑦 − 𝑥

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End of Presentation

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MATH05
Basic Calculus
Course Outcome 3
• Lesson 1: Differentiation of Trigonometric Functions

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