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Last updated on 6 September 2025

Derivative of Tan 2x

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We use the derivative of tan(2x), which involves applying the chain rule, as a measuring tool for how the tangent function changes in response to a slight change in x. Derivatives help us calculate profit or loss in real-life situations. We will now talk about the derivative of tan(2x) in detail.

Derivative of Tan 2x for UAE Students
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What is the Derivative of Tan 2x?

We now understand the derivative of tan 2x.

It is commonly represented as d/dx (tan 2x) or (tan 2x)', and its value is 2 sec²(2x).

The function tan 2x has a clearly defined derivative, indicating it is differentiable within its domain.

The key concepts are mentioned below:

Tangent Function: tan(2x) = sin(2x)/cos(2x).

Quotient Rule: Rule for differentiating tan(2x) (since it consists of sin(2x)/cos(2x)).

Secant Function: sec(x) = 1/cos(x).

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Derivative of Tan 2x Formula

The derivative of tan 2x can be denoted as d/dx (tan 2x) or (tan 2x)'. The formula we use to differentiate tan 2x is: d/dx (tan 2x) = 2 sec²(2x) (or) (tan 2x)' = 2 sec²(2x) The formula applies to all x where cos(2x) ≠ 0.

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Proofs of the Derivative of Tan 2x

We can derive the derivative of tan 2x using proofs.

To show this, we will use the trigonometric identities along with the rules of differentiation.

There are several methods we use to prove this, such as:

By First Principle

Using Chain Rule

Using Product Rule

We will now demonstrate that the differentiation of tan 2x results in 2 sec²(2x) using the above-mentioned methods:

 

By First Principle

The derivative of tan 2x can be proved using the First Principle, which expresses the derivative as the limit of the difference quotient.

To find the derivative of tan 2x using the first principle, we will consider f(x) = tan 2x.

Its derivative can be expressed as the following limit. f'(x) = limₕ→₀ [f(x + h) - f(x)] / h … (1)

Given that f(x) = tan 2x, we write f(x + h) = tan (2(x + h)).

Substituting these into equation (1), f'(x) = limₕ→₀ [tan(2(x + h)) - tan 2x] / h = limₕ→₀ [ [sin (2(x + h)) / cos (2(x + h))] - [sin 2x / cos 2x] ] / h = limₕ→₀ [ [sin (2x + 2h) cos 2x - cos (2x + 2h) sin 2x] / [cos 2x · cos(2x + 2h)] ]/ h

We now use the formula sin A cos B - cos A sin B = sin (A - B). f'(x) = limₕ→₀ [ sin (2h) ] / [ h cos 2x · cos(2x + 2h)] = limₕ→₀ [ sin 2h ] / [ h cos 2x · cos(2x + 2h)] = limₕ→₀ 2(sin h)/ h · limₕ→₀ 1 / [cos 2x · cos(2x + 0)]

Using limit formulas, limₕ→₀ (sin h)/ h = 1. f'(x) = 2 [ 1 / (cos 2x · cos(2x))] = 2/cos²(2x) As the reciprocal of cosine is secant, we have, f'(x) = 2 sec²(2x).

Hence, proved.

 

Using Chain Rule

To prove the differentiation of tan 2x using the chain rule, We use the formula:

Tan 2x = sin 2x / cos 2x Consider f(x) = sin 2x and g(x) = cos 2x So we get, tan 2x = f(x) / g(x)

By quotient rule: d/dx [f(x) / g(x)] = [f'(x) g(x) - f(x) g'(x)] / [g(x)]² … (1)

Let's substitute f(x) = sin 2x and g(x) = cos 2x in equation (1), d/dx (tan 2x) = [(2 cos 2x) (cos 2x) - (sin 2x) (-2 sin 2x)] / (cos 2x)² (2 cos²(2x) + 2 sin²(2x)) / cos²(2x) …(2)

Here, we use the formula: (cos²(2x)) + (sin²(2x)) = 1 (Pythagorean identity)

Substituting this into (2), d/dx (tan 2x) = 2 / (cos²(2x)) Since sec x = 1/cos x, we write: d/dx(tan 2x) = 2 sec²(2x)

 

Using Product Rule

We will now prove the derivative of tan 2x using the product rule.

The step-by-step process is demonstrated below:

Here, we use the formula,

Tan 2x = sin 2x / cos 2x tan 2x = (sin 2x). (cos 2x)⁻¹

Given that, u = sin 2x and v = (cos 2x)⁻¹

Using the product rule formula: d/dx [u.v] = u'. v + u. v' u' = d/dx (sin 2x) = 2 cos 2x. (substitute u = sin 2x)

Here we use the chain rule: v = (cos 2x)⁻¹ = (cos 2x)⁻¹ (substitute v = (cos 2x)⁻¹) v' = -1. (cos 2x)⁻². d/dx (cos 2x) v' = 2 sin 2x / (cos 2x)²

Again, use the product rule formula: d/dx (tan 2x) = u'. v + u. v'

Let's substitute u = sin 2x, u' = 2 cos 2x, v = (cos 2x)⁻¹, and v' = 2 sin 2x / (cos 2x)²

When we simplify each term: We get, d/dx (tan 2x) = 2 + 2 sin²(2x) / (cos 2x)² Sin²(2x) / (cos 2x)² = tan²(2x) (we use the identity sin²(2x) + cos²(2x) = 1) Thus: d/dx (tan 2x) = 2 + 2 tan²(2x)

Since, 1 + tan²(2x) = sec²(2x) d/dx (tan 2x) = 2 sec²(2x).

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Higher-Order Derivatives of Tan 2x

When a function is differentiated several times, the derivatives obtained are referred to as higher-order derivatives. Higher-order derivatives can be a little tricky.

To understand them better, think of a car where the speed changes (first derivative) and the rate at which the speed changes (second derivative) also changes.

Higher-order derivatives make it easier to understand functions like tan(2x). For the first derivative of a function, we write f′(x), which indicates how the function changes or its slope at a certain point.

The second derivative is derived from the first derivative, which is denoted using f′′(x) Similarly, the third derivative, f′′′(x) is the result of the second derivative, and this pattern continues.

For the nth Derivative of tan(2x), we generally use fⁿ(x) for the nth derivative of a function f(x), which tells us the change in the rate of change (continuing for higher-order derivatives).

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Special Cases:

When x is π/4, the derivative is 2 sec²(π/2), which is undefined because tan(2x) has a vertical asymptote there. When x is 0, the derivative of tan 2x = 2 sec²(0), which is 2.

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Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in Derivatives of Tan 2x

Students frequently make mistakes when differentiating tan 2x. These mistakes can be resolved by understanding the proper solutions. Here are a few common mistakes and ways to solve them:

Mistake 1

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Not simplifying the equation

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Students may forget to simplify the equation, which can lead to incomplete or incorrect results. They often skip steps and directly arrive at the result, especially when solving using the product or chain rule. Ensure that each step is written in order. Students might think it is awkward, but it is important to avoid errors in the process.

Mistake 2

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Forgetting the Undefined Points of Tan 2x

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They might not remember that tan 2x is undefined at the points such as (x = π/4, 3π/4,...). Keep in mind that you should consider the domain of the function that you differentiate. It will help you understand that the function is not continuous at such certain points.

Mistake 3

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Incorrect use of Quotient Rule

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While differentiating functions such as tan 2x/x, students misapply the quotient rule.

 

For example: Incorrect differentiation: d/dx (tan 2x / x) = 2 sec²(2x)/ x². d/dx (u/v) = (v . u’ - u . v’)/ v² (where u = tan 2x and v = x)

Applying the quotient rule, d/dx (tan 2x/ x) = ( x. 2 sec²(2x) - tan 2x)/ x² To avoid this mistake, write the quotient rule without errors. Always check for errors in the calculation and ensure it is properly simplified.

Mistake 4

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Not writing Constants and Coefficients

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There is a common mistake that students at times forget to multiply the constants placed before tan 2x.

 

For example, they incorrectly write d/dx (5 tan 2x) = 2 sec²(2x).

Students should check the constants in the terms and ensure they are multiplied properly.

 

For e.g., the correct equation is d/dx (5 tan 2x) = 10 sec²(2x).

Mistake 5

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Not Applying the Chain Rule

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Students often forget to use the chain rule. This happens when the derivative of the inner function is not considered.

 

For example: Incorrect: d/dx (tan (3x)) = sec² (3x).

To fix this error, students should divide the functions into inner and outer parts. Then, make sure that each function is differentiated.

 

For example, d/dx (tan (3x)) = 3 sec²(3x).

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Examples Using the Derivative of Tan 2x

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Problem 1

Calculate the derivative of (tan 2x·sec²(2x))

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Here, we have f(x) = tan 2x·sec²(2x).

Using the product rule, f'(x) = u′v + uv′

In the given equation, u = tan 2x and v = sec²(2x).

Let's differentiate each term, u′= d/dx (tan 2x) = 2 sec²(2x) v′= d/dx (sec²(2x)) = 4 sec²(2x) tan(2x) substituting into the given equation, f'(x) = (2 sec²(2x)). (sec²(2x)) + (tan 2x). (4 sec²(2x) tan(2x))

Let's simplify terms to get the final answer, f'(x) = 2 sec⁴(2x) + 4 sec²(2x) tan²(2x)

Thus, the derivative of the specified function is 2 sec⁴(2x) + 4 sec²(2x) tan²(2x).

Explanation

We find the derivative of the given function by dividing the function into two parts. The first step is finding its derivative and then combining them using the product rule to get the final result.

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Problem 2

The city of Springfield is designing a new roller coaster. The track's steepness is represented by the function y = tan(2x), where y represents the height at a horizontal distance x. If x = π/8 meters, measure the steepness of the track.

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We have y = tan(2x) (steepness of the track)...(1)

Now, we will differentiate the equation (1)

Take the derivative tan(2x): dy/dx = 2 sec²(2x) We know that sec²(2x) = 1 + tan²(2x)

Given x = π/8 (substitute this into the derivative) sec²(π/4) = 1 + tan²(π/4) sec²(π/4) = 1 + 1² = 2 (since tan(π/4) = 1)

Hence, we get the steepness of the track at a distance x= π/8 as 2.

Explanation

We find the steepness of the track at x= π/8 as 2, which means that at a given point, the height of the track would rise at a rate twice the horizontal distance.

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Problem 3

Derive the second derivative of the function y = tan(2x).

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The first step is to find the first derivative, dy/dx = 2 sec²(2x)...(1)

Now we will differentiate equation (1) to get the second derivative: d²y/dx² = d/dx [2 sec²(2x)]

Here we use the product rule, d²y/dx² = 2 d/dx [sec²(2x)] d²y/dx² = 4 sec(2x) [sec(2x) tan(2x)] = 8 sec²(2x) tan(2x)

Therefore, the second derivative of the function y = tan(2x) is 8 sec²(2x) tan(2x).

Explanation

We use the step-by-step process, where we start with the first derivative. Using the product rule, we differentiate sec²(2x). We then substitute the identity and simplify the terms to find the final answer.

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Problem 4

Prove: d/dx (tan²(2x)) = 4 tan(2x) sec²(2x).

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Let's start using the chain rule: Consider y = tan²(2x) [tan(2x)]²

To differentiate, we use the chain rule: dy/dx = 2 tan(2x) d/dx [tan(2x)]

Since the derivative of tan(2x) is 2 sec²(2x), dy/dx = 2 tan(2x) (2 sec²(2x))

Substituting y = tan²(2x), d/dx (tan²(2x)) = 4 tan(2x) sec²(2x) Hence proved.

Explanation

In this step-by-step process, we used the chain rule to differentiate the equation. Then, we replace tan(2x) with its derivative. As a final step, we substitute y = tan²(2x) to derive the equation.

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Problem 5

Solve: d/dx (tan 2x/x)

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To differentiate the function, we use the quotient rule: d/dx (tan 2x/x) = (d/dx (tan 2x). x - tan 2x . d/dx(x)) / x²

We will substitute d/dx (tan 2x) = 2 sec²(2x) and d/dx (x) = 1 (2 sec²(2x) x - tan 2x) / x² = (2x sec²(2x) - tan 2x) / x²

Therefore, d/dx (tan 2x/x) = (2x sec²(2x) - tan 2x) / x²

Explanation

In this process, we differentiate the given function using the product rule and quotient rule. As a final step, we simplify the equation to obtain the final result.

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FAQs on the Derivative of Tan 2x

1.Find the derivative of tan 2x.

Using the quotient rule for tan 2x gives sin 2x / cos 2x, d/dx (tan 2x) = 2 sec²(2x) (simplified).

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2.Can we use the derivative of tan 2x in real life?

Yes, we can use the derivative of tan 2x in real life in calculating the rate of change of any motion, especially in fields such as mathematics, physics, and engineering.

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3.Is it possible to take the derivative of tan 2x at the point where x = π/4?

No, π/4 is a point where tan 2x is undefined, so it is impossible to take the derivative at these points (since the function does not exist there).

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4.What rule is used to differentiate tan 2x/x?

We use the quotient rule to differentiate tan 2x/x, d/dx (tan 2x/x) = (x . 2 sec²(2x) - tan 2x . 1) / x².

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5.Are the derivatives of tan 2x and tan⁻¹(2x) the same?

No, they are different. The derivative of tan 2x is equal to 2 sec²(2x), while the derivative of tan⁻¹(2x) involves a different formula.

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6.Can we find the derivative of the tan 2x formula?

To find, consider y = tan 2x. We use the quotient rule: y’ = [cos 2x . d/dx (sin 2x) - sin 2x . d/dx (cos 2x)] / (cos²2x) (Since tan 2x = sin 2x / cos 2x) = [2 cos²2x + 2 sin²2x] / (cos²2x) = 2 / (cos²2x) = 2 sec²2x.

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Important Glossaries for the Derivative of Tan 2x

  • Derivative: The derivative of a function indicates how the given function changes in response to a slight change in x.

 

  • Tangent Function: The tangent function is one of the primary six trigonometric functions and is written as tan x.

 

  • Secant Function: A trigonometric function that is the reciprocal of the cosine function. It is typically represented as sec x.

 

  • Chain Rule: A rule for finding the derivative of the composition of two functions.

 

  • First Principle: A method of deriving the derivative of a function by using the concept of limits.
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Jaskaran Singh Saluja

About the Author

Jaskaran Singh Saluja is a math wizard with nearly three years of experience as a math teacher. His expertise is in algebra, so he can make algebra classes interesting by turning tricky equations into simple puzzles.

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Fun Fact

: He loves to play the quiz with kids through algebra to make kids love it.

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