How do you calculate the derivative of cos inverse x?

When differentiating cos inverse x, the typical method is to make y equal to cos inverse x.By taking cos of both sides: x = cosy.You can then differentiate with respect to y, obtaining that: (dx/dy) = - sinyUsing our knowledge of derivatives, we now know that: (dy/dx) = -1/(siny)From x = cosy, x^2 = (cosy)^2                  = 1 - (siny)^2          (siny)^2 = 1 - x^2            siny = (1-x^2)^(1/2)Combining this with the equation stating (dy/dx), we get:     (dy/dx) = (-1)/((1-x^2)^(1/2))Since y is equal to the cos inverse function, this is now equal to the derivative of cos inverse x.

WW
Answered by Will W. Further Mathematics tutor

6530 Views

See similar Further Mathematics A Level tutors

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do you invert a 2x2 matrix?


How do you find the derivative of arcsinx?


How to multiply and divide by complex numbers


Prove by mathematical induction that, for all non-negative integers n, 11^(2n) + 25^n + 22 is divisible by 24


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