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VICMath MethodsQuick questions
Unit 2: Functions, calculus and probability
Quick questions on Derivatives of trigonometric functions (VCE Maths Methods Unit 2)
6short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is trig times polynomial?Show answer
Product rule. $\frac{d}{dx} (x \sin x) = \sin x + x \cos x$.
What is squared trig?Show answer
Chain rule with $u^2$. $\frac{d}{dx} \sin^2 x = 2 \sin x \cos x = \sin 2x$.
What is sign on cosine derivative?Show answer
$\frac{d}{dx} \cos x = -\sin x$. The minus is the most-common slip.
What is forgetting the chain factor?Show answer
$\frac{d}{dx} \sin(3x) = 3\cos(3x)$, not $\cos(3x)$.
What is confusing $\sin^2 x$ with $\sin $?Show answer
$\sin^2 x = (\sin x)^2$. $\sin(x^2)$ is the sine of $x^2$. Different functions, different derivatives.
What is working in degrees?Show answer
Calculus assumes radians throughout. $\sin x$ has derivative $\cos x$ only when $x$ is in radians.
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