Find the derivative of the arctangent of x function

y = arctan(x)Start by taking the tangent of both sides:tan(y) = xTake the derivative of each side with respect to x, using implicit differentiation/the chain rule for the LHS, then rearrange to make dy/dx the subject:dy/dx = 1/sec^2(y)Use sec^2(y) = 1 + tan^2(y) to change the denominator:dy/dx = 1/(1 + tan^2(y))Plugging our original definition of y into this we get our final result:dy/dx = 1/(1 + tan^2(arctan(x))) = 1/(1 + x^2)

MB
Answered by Mitchell B. Further Mathematics tutor

2389 Views

See similar Further Mathematics A Level tutors

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do you find the cube root of z = 1 + i?


Find the complementary function to the second order differential equation d^2y/dx^2 - 5dy/dx + 6x = x^2


A golf ball is hit from horizontal ground with speed 10 m/s at an angle of p degrees above the horizontal. The greatest height the golf ball reached above ground level is 1.22m. Model the golf ball as a particle and ignore air resistance. Find p.


find general solution to: x(dy/dx) + 2y = 4x^2


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning