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Last updated on September 15, 2025
We use the derivative of arctan(5x), which is 5/(1 + (5x)²), to understand how the arctangent function changes with respect to x. Derivatives are essential in calculating rates of change in various applications. We will explore the derivative of arctan(5x) in detail.
To understand the derivative of arctan(5x), we represent it as d/dx (arctan(5x)) or (arctan(5x))'. The value of the derivative is 5/(1 + (5x)²). The function arctan(5x) is differentiable across its domain. The key concepts include:
Arctangent Function: arctan(x) is the inverse of the tangent function.
Chain Rule: Used to differentiate composite functions.
Standard Derivative: d/dx (arctan(u)) = u'/(1 + u²).
The derivative of arctan(5x) is denoted as d/dx (arctan(5x)) or (arctan(5x))'.
The formula for differentiating arctan(5x) is: d/dx (arctan(5x)) = 5/(1 + (5x)²)
This formula applies to all x.
We can prove the derivative of arctan(5x) using the chain rule. The proof involves differentiating the composite function using standard differentiation techniques. Here's how it's done:
To prove the differentiation of arctan(5x) using the chain rule, we start with: Let u = 5x, then arctan(5x) = arctan(u).
The derivative of arctan(u) is d/dx (arctan(u)) = u'/(1 + u²).
Differentiating u = 5x gives u' = 5.
Substitute into the derivative formula: d/dx (arctan(5x)) = 5/(1 + (5x)²).
Hence, proved.
Higher-order derivatives of functions like arctan(5x) can provide insights into the function's behavior. Differentiating arctan(5x) multiple times yields higher-order derivatives.
For instance, the first derivative gives the rate of change, while the second derivative indicates how this rate changes.
For the first derivative, we write y′(x). The second derivative, y′′(x), is derived from the first derivative, and this pattern continues.
For the nth derivative, we use yⁿ(x).
When x is 0, the derivative of arctan(5x) is 5/(1 + (5×0)²) = 5.
As x approaches infinity, the derivative approaches 0 because the denominator grows much larger than the numerator.
Students often make mistakes when differentiating arctan(5x). Understanding the correct process can help avoid these errors. Here are some common mistakes and solutions:
Calculate the derivative of arctan(5x)·x².
We have f(x) = arctan(5x)·x². Using the product rule, f'(x) = u′v + uv′. Let u = arctan(5x) and v = x².
Differentiate each term: u′ = 5/(1 + (5x)²) v′ = 2x
Substitute into the product rule: f'(x) = (5/(1 + (5x)²))·x² + arctan(5x)·2x
Thus, the derivative of the function is (5x²)/(1 + (5x)²) + 2x arctan(5x).
We differentiate the function by dividing it into two parts and applying the product rule. This involves differentiating each part separately and combining the results.
A car's acceleration is modeled by a = arctan(5x). Find the rate of change of acceleration when x = 1.
We have a = arctan(5x) (acceleration model)...(1)
Differentiate equation (1) to find the rate of change of acceleration: da/dx = 5/(1 + (5x)²)
Substitute x = 1 into the derivative: da/dx = 5/(1 + (5×1)²) = 5/26
Hence, the rate of change of acceleration when x = 1 is 5/26.
By differentiating the acceleration function, we find the rate at which acceleration changes at a specific point, x = 1, giving us a value of 5/26.
Derive the second derivative of the function y = arctan(5x).
Find the first derivative: dy/dx = 5/(1 + (5x)²)...(1)
Differentiate equation (1) for the second derivative: d²y/dx² = d/dx [5/(1 + (5x)²)]
Apply the quotient rule: d²y/dx² = -50x/(1 + (5x)²)²
Therefore, the second derivative of y = arctan(5x) is -50x/(1 + (5x)²)².
Using the quotient rule, we differentiate the first derivative to obtain the second derivative, simplifying the result to find the final answer.
Prove: d/dx (arctan²(5x)) = 10x arctan(5x)/(1 + (5x)²).
Use the chain rule: Let y = arctan²(5x) = [arctan(5x)]²
Differentiate using the chain rule: dy/dx = 2[arctan(5x)]·d/dx[arctan(5x)] With d/dx[arctan(5x)] = 5/(1 + (5x)²), dy/dx = 2[arctan(5x)]·5/(1 + (5x)²)
Simplify: dy/dx = 10x arctan(5x)/(1 + (5x)²) Hence, proved.
Using the chain rule, we differentiate the square of arctan(5x) and substitute the derivative of arctan(5x) to prove the equation.
Solve: d/dx (arctan(5x)/x).
Differentiate using the quotient rule: d/dx (arctan(5x)/x) = (d/dx (arctan(5x))·x - arctan(5x)·d/dx(x))/x²
Substitute d/dx (arctan(5x)) = 5/(1 + (5x)²) and d/dx(x) = 1: = (5x/(1 + (5x)²) - arctan(5x))/x² = (5x - arctan(5x)(1 + (5x)²))/(x²(1 + (5x)²))
Therefore, d/dx (arctan(5x)/x) = (5x - arctan(5x)(1 + (5x)²))/(x²(1 + (5x)²)).
Using the quotient rule, we differentiate arctan(5x)/x, substituting the derivatives and simplifying to obtain the final result.
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.
: He loves to play the quiz with kids through algebra to make kids love it.