Differentiate 2cos(x)sin(x) with respect to x

To solve this differential, firstly note that 2cos(x)sin(x) = sin(2x) (by the Double-Angle Sine Identity), this makes computing the differential a lot easier. To differentiate sin(2x) we need to use the chain rule so let, t = 2x then y = sin(t). Differentiating t = 2x with respect to x gives, dt/dx = 2. Differentiating y = sin(t) with respect to t gives, dy/dt = cos(t) Then by the chain rule, dy/dx = dy/dt * dt/dx. So dy/dx = cos(t) * 2 = 2cos(t). Write t in terms of x, we know from our definition of t that t = 2x. Therefore, dy/dx = 2cos(2x) So the differential of 2cos(x)sin(x) with respect to x is 2cos(2x). (Note: To check the answer try computing 2cos(x)sin(x) using the product rule.)

RH
Answered by Ryan H. Maths tutor

7464 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Which equation of motion should I use?


Find the integral of y= e^3x / 1+e^x using calculus.


Earth is being added to a pile so that, when the height of the pile is h metres, its volume is V cubic metres, where V = (h6 + 16) 1 2 − 4.Find the value of dV/dh when h = 2.


The curve C has equation y = 3x^4 – 8x^3 – 3 Find (i) dy/dx (ii) the co-ordinates of the stationary point(s)


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning