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Last updated on July 14th, 2025

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Derivative of Arcsin

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We use the derivative of arcsin(x), which is 1/√(1-x²), as a tool to understand how the arcsin function changes in response to a slight change in x. Derivatives help us calculate rates of change in real-life situations. We will now discuss the derivative of arcsin(x) in detail.

Derivative of Arcsin for Indian Students
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What is the Derivative of Arcsin?

We now understand the derivative of arcsin x. It is commonly represented as d/dx (arcsin x) or (arcsin x)', and its value is 1/√(1-x²). The function arcsin x has a clearly defined derivative, indicating it is differentiable within its domain. The key concepts are mentioned below: Inverse Sine Function: arcsin(x) is the inverse of the sine function. Chain Rule: A rule for differentiating compositions of functions, which may be used with arcsin(x). Radical Function: The derivative involves a square root, represented as √(1-x²).

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Derivative of Arcsin Formula

The derivative of arcsin x can be denoted as d/dx (arcsin x) or (arcsin x)'. The formula we use to differentiate arcsin x is: d/dx (arcsin x) = 1/√(1-x²) The formula applies to all x where -1 < x < 1.

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Proofs of the Derivative of Arcsin

We can derive the derivative of arcsin x using proofs. To show this, we will use trigonometric identities along with the rules of differentiation. There are several methods we use to prove this, such as: By Implicit Differentiation Using Trigonometric Identities We will now demonstrate that the differentiation of arcsin x results in 1/√(1-x²) using the above-mentioned methods: By Implicit Differentiation Start by letting y = arcsin x, which implies that sin y = x. Differentiating both sides with respect to x gives us: cos y (dy/dx) = 1 Therefore, dy/dx = 1/cos y Using the identity cos²y = 1 - sin²y, we have cos y = √(1-x²). Thus, dy/dx = 1/√(1-x²). Hence, proved. Using Trigonometric Identities Consider y = arcsin x, which implies sin y = x. Differentiating implicitly, we find that the derivative of x with respect to y is cos y. Using the identity cos²y = 1 - sin²y, we find cos y = √(1-x²). The derivative dy/dx is then 1/√(1-x²), as required.

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Higher-Order Derivatives of Arcsin

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 arcsin(x). 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 arcsin(x), 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 = 1 or x = -1, the derivative is undefined because the arcsin(x) function has a vertical tangent at these points. When x = 0, the derivative of arcsin x = 1/√(1-0²) = 1.

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Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in Derivatives of Arcsin

Students frequently make mistakes when differentiating arcsin x. 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 expression under the square root

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Students may forget to simplify the expression under the square root, which can lead to incomplete or incorrect results. They often skip steps and directly arrive at the result, especially when solving using implicit differentiation. 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 Domain of Arcsin x

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They might not remember that arcsin x is defined only for -1 ≤ x ≤ 1 and differentiable only for -1 < x < 1. 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 certain boundary points.

Mistake 3

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Incorrect use of Chain Rule

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While differentiating compositions involving arcsin x, students misapply the chain rule. For example: Incorrect differentiation: d/dx (arcsin(2x)) = 1/√(1-4x²) without considering the inner derivative. The correct approach is: d/dx (arcsin(2x)) = (1/√(1-(2x)²)) * (d/dx(2x)) = 2/√(1-4x²).

Mistake 4

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Not considering the square root in the denominator

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A common mistake is to omit the square root in the denominator when writing the derivative. For instance, writing d/dx (arcsin x) = 1/(1-x²) instead of 1/√(1-x²). Ensure the square root is correctly applied to avoid errors in the calculation.

Mistake 5

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Not Applying Implicit Differentiation Correctly

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Students often forget to apply implicit differentiation correctly. This happens when the derivative with respect to x is not considered when differentiating implicitly. For example: Incorrect: d/dx (sin y = x) = cos y instead of considering dy/dx. To fix this error, students should remember that dy/dx appears whenever y is differentiated with respect to x.

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Examples Using the Derivative of Arcsin

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Problem 1

Calculate the derivative of (arcsin x · √(1-x²))

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Here, we have f(x) = arcsin x · √(1-x²). Using the product rule, f'(x) = u′v + uv′ In the given equation, u = arcsin x and v = √(1-x²). Let’s differentiate each term, u′ = d/dx (arcsin x) = 1/√(1-x²) v′ = d/dx (√(1-x²)) = (-x)/√(1-x²) Substituting into the given equation, f'(x) = (1/√(1-x²)) · √(1-x²) + (arcsin x) · (-x)/√(1-x²) Let’s simplify terms to get the final answer, f'(x) = 1 - x · arcsin x / √(1-x²) Thus, the derivative of the specified function is 1 - x · arcsin x / √(1-x²).

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

XYZ Construction Company is building a curved bridge represented by the function y = arcsin(x), where y represents the elevation of the bridge at a distance x. If x = 1/2 meters, measure the rate of elevation change of the bridge.

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We have y = arcsin(x) (rate of elevation change)...(1) Now, we will differentiate the equation (1) Take the derivative of arcsin(x): dy/dx = 1/√(1-x²) Given x = 1/2 (substitute this into the derivative) dy/dx = 1/√(1-(1/2)²) dy/dx = 1/√(1-1/4) = 1/√(3/4) = 2/√3 Hence, the rate of elevation change of the bridge at a distance x = 1/2 is 2/√3.

Explanation

We find the rate of elevation change of the bridge at x = 1/2 as 2/√3, which represents how the elevation increases per unit of horizontal distance.

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Problem 3

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

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The first step is to find the first derivative, dy/dx = 1/√(1-x²)...(1) Now we will differentiate equation (1) to get the second derivative: d²y/dx² = d/dx [1/√(1-x²)] Here we use the chain rule, d²y/dx² = (-1/2)(1-x²)^(-3/2) · (-2x) d²y/dx² = x/(1-x²)^(3/2) Therefore, the second derivative of the function y = arcsin(x) is x/(1-x²)^(3/2).

Explanation

We use the step-by-step process, where we start with the first derivative. Using the chain rule, we differentiate 1/√(1-x²). We then simplify the terms to find the final answer.

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Problem 4

Prove: d/dx (arcsin(x²)) = 2x/√(1-x⁴).

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Let’s start using the chain rule: Consider y = arcsin(x²) To differentiate, we use the chain rule: dy/dx = (1/√(1-(x²)²)) · d/dx(x²) Since the derivative of x² is 2x, dy/dx = 2x/√(1-x⁴) Substituting y = arcsin(x²), d/dx (arcsin(x²)) = 2x/√(1-x⁴) Hence proved.

Explanation

In this step-by-step process, we used the chain rule to differentiate the equation. Then, we replace x² with its derivative. As a final step, we substitute y = arcsin(x²) to derive the equation.

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Problem 5

Solve: d/dx (arcsin(x)/x)

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To differentiate the function, we use the quotient rule: d/dx (arcsin(x)/x) = (d/dx (arcsin(x)) · x - arcsin(x) · d/dx(x))/x² We will substitute d/dx (arcsin(x)) = 1/√(1-x²) and d/dx (x) = 1 = (1/√(1-x²) · x - arcsin(x) · 1) / x² = (x/√(1-x²) - arcsin(x)) / x² Therefore, d/dx (arcsin(x)/x) = (x/√(1-x²) - arcsin(x)) / x²

Explanation

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

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FAQs on the Derivative of Arcsin

1.Find the derivative of arcsin x.

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

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3.Is it possible to take the derivative of arcsin x at the point where x = 1?

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4.What rule is used to differentiate arcsin(x²)?

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5.Are the derivatives of arcsin x and arcsin⁻¹ x the same?

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6.Can we find the derivative of the arcsin x formula?

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Important Glossaries for the Derivative of Arcsin

Derivative: The derivative of a function indicates how the given function changes in response to a slight change in x. Inverse Sine Function: The arcsin function is the inverse of the sine function, represented as arcsin x. Chain Rule: A rule used to differentiate compositions of functions. Implicit Differentiation: A technique to find the derivative of functions that are not easily expressed explicitly. Domain: The set of input values for which a function is defined.

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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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