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

7372 Views

See similar Further Mathematics A Level tutors

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Integrate xsin(x).


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


Find the area of the surface generated when the curve with equation y=cosh(x) is rotated through 2 pi radians about the x axis, with 2<=x<=6


Differentiate artanh(x) with respect to x


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