BrightChamps Logo
Login

Summarize this article:

Live Math Learners Count Icon107 Learners

Last updated on September 26, 2025

Derivative of ln(sin x)

Professor Greenline Explaining Math Concepts

We use the derivative of ln(sin x), which is cot(x), as a tool for understanding how the logarithmic function changes in response to a slight change in x. Derivatives help us calculate profit or loss in real-life situations. We will now discuss the derivative of ln(sin x) in detail.

Derivative of ln(sin x) for US Students
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

What is the Derivative of ln(sin x)?

We now understand the derivative of ln(sin x). It is commonly represented as d/dx (ln(sin x)) or (ln(sin x))', and its value is cot x. The function ln(sin x) has a clearly defined derivative, indicating it is differentiable within its domain.

 

The key concepts are mentioned below:

 

Logarithmic Function: ln(x) is the natural logarithm function.

Chain Rule: Rule for differentiating ln(sin x) (since it involves a composition of functions).

Cotangent Function: cot(x) = 1/tan(x).

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Derivative of ln(sin x) Formula

The derivative of ln(sin x) can be denoted as d/dx (ln(sin x)) or (ln(sin x))'. The formula we use to differentiate ln(sin x) is: d/dx (ln(sin x)) = cot x (or) (ln(sin x))' = cot x

 

The formula applies to all x where sin(x) > 0

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Proofs of the Derivative of ln(sin x)

We can derive the derivative of ln(sin x) 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 ln(sin x) results in cot x using the above-mentioned methods:

 

By First Principle

 

The derivative of ln(sin x) can be proved using the First Principle, which expresses the derivative as the limit of the difference quotient. To find the derivative of ln(sin x) using the first principle, we will consider f(x) = ln(sin x). Its derivative can be expressed as the following limit. f'(x) = limₕ→₀ [f(x + h) - f(x)] / h … (1) Given that f(x) = ln(sin x), we write f(x + h) = ln(sin(x + h)). Substituting these into equation (1), f'(x) = limₕ→₀ [ln(sin(x + h)) - ln(sin x)] / h = limₕ→₀ ln([sin(x + h) / sin x]) / h Using the logarithmic identity ln(a) - ln(b) = ln(a/b), f'(x) = limₕ→₀ [ln(1 + (sin(x + h) - sin x)/sin x)] / h Using the limit definition, f'(x) = limₕ→₀ [(sin(x + h) - sin x)/(h sin x)] Using the identity sin(A + h) - sin A = 2 cos((2A + h)/2) sin(h/2), f'(x) = limₕ→₀ [cos(x + h/2) sin(h/2)/sin x] / (h/2) Using limit formulas, limₕ→₀ sin(h/2)/(h/2) = 1. f'(x) = cos x/sin x = cot x.

 

Using Chain Rule

 

To prove the differentiation of ln(sin x) using the chain rule, We use the formula: Let u = sin x, then ln(u) Differentiate using the chain rule: d(ln(u))/dx = 1/u * du/dx So, d(ln(sin x))/dx = 1/sin x * cos x = cot x.

 

Using Product Rule

 

We will now prove the derivative of ln(sin x) using the product rule. Let y = ln(sin x) = ln u, where u = sin x. Differentiate using the chain rule: dy/dx = 1/u * du/dx = 1/sin x * cos x = cot x.

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Higher-Order Derivatives of ln(sin x)

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 ln(sin 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 ln(sin 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).

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Special Cases:

When x is 0, the derivative is undefined because ln(sin x) is undefined for sin x = 0.

 

When x is π/2, the derivative of ln(sin x) = cot(π/2), which is 0.

Max Pointing Out Common Math Mistakes

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in Derivatives of ln(sin x)

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

Mistake 1

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Not simplifying the equation

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

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

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Forgetting the Undefined Points of ln(sin x)

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

They might not remember that ln(sin x) is undefined at the points where sin x = 0 (such as x = 0, π, 2π,...). 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

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Incorrect use of Chain Rule

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

While differentiating functions such as ln(sin x), students misapply the chain rule. For example: Incorrect differentiation: d/dx (ln(sin x)) = 1/sin x. Correct differentiation: d/dx (ln(sin x)) = 1/sin x * cos x = cot x.

 

To avoid this mistake, apply the chain rule correctly, identifying the inner and outer functions.

Mistake 4

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Not considering the Domain Restrictions

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

There is a common mistake that students at times forget to consider the domain restrictions for ln(sin x). For example, they might incorrectly write d/dx (ln(sin x)) at x = 0, where it is undefined.

 

Students should be mindful of the domain restrictions and ensure they do not differentiate at undefined points.

Mistake 5

Red Cross Icon Indicating Mistakes to Avoid in This Math Topic

Misunderstanding Trigonometric Identities

Green Checkmark Icon Indicating Correct Solutions in This Math Topic

Students often misunderstand or misapply trigonometric identities. For example: Incorrect: cot x = cos x/sin x = tan x.

 

To fix this error, students should review trigonometric identities and ensure they use them correctly. For example, cot x = 1/tan x = cos x/sin x.

arrow-right
Max from BrightChamps Saying "Hey"
Hey!

Examples Using the Derivative of ln(sin x)

Ray, the Character from BrightChamps Explaining Math Concepts
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 1

Calculate the derivative of ln(sin x)·cos x

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"
Okay, lets begin

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

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.

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Well explained 👍
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 2

A certain wave pattern in a physics experiment is represented by the function y = ln(sin x) where y represents the intensity of the wave at a point x. If x = π/3, measure the rate of change of intensity.

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"
Okay, lets begin

We have y = ln(sin x) (wave intensity)...(1) Now, we will differentiate the equation (1) Take the derivative ln(sin x): dy/dx = cot x Given x = π/3 (substitute this into the derivative) cot(π/3) = 1/tan(π/3) cot(π/3) = 1/(√3) Hence, we get the rate of change of intensity at x = π/3 as 1/√3.

Explanation

We find the rate of change of intensity at x = π/3 as 1/√3, which means that at a given point, the intensity of the wave would change at this rate.

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Well explained 👍
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 3

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

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"
Okay, lets begin

The first step is to find the first derivative, dy/dx = cot x...(1) Now we will differentiate equation (1) to get the second derivative: d²y/dx² = d/dx [cot x] Here we use the derivative of cot x, d²y/dx² = -csc²x Therefore, the second derivative of the function y = ln(sin x) is -csc²x.

Explanation

We use the step-by-step process, where we start with the first derivative.

We then differentiate cot x to find the second derivative.

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Well explained 👍
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 4

Prove: d/dx (ln(sin²x)) = 2 cot x.

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"
Okay, lets begin

Let’s start using the chain rule: Consider y = ln(sin²x) = 2 ln(sin x) To differentiate, we use the chain rule: dy/dx = 2 d/dx (ln(sin x)) Since the derivative of ln(sin x) is cot x, dy/dx = 2 cot x Hence proved.

Explanation

In this step-by-step process, we used the chain rule to differentiate the equation.

Then, we replace the derivative of ln(sin x) with cot x.

As a final step, we simplify to derive the equation.

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Well explained 👍
Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 5

Solve: d/dx (ln(sin x)/x)

Ray, the Boy Character from BrightChamps Saying "Let’s Begin"
Okay, lets begin

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

Max from BrightChamps Praising Clear Math Explanations
Well explained 👍
Ray Thinking Deeply About Math Problems

FAQs on the Derivative of ln(sin x)

1.Find the derivative of ln(sin x).

Using the chain rule for ln(sin x) gives: d/dx (ln(sin x)) = cot x (simplified)

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

2.Can we use the derivative of ln(sin x) in real life?

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

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

3.Is it possible to take the derivative of ln(sin x) at the point where x = 0?

No, x = 0 is a point where ln(sin x) is undefined, so it is impossible to take the derivative at these points (since the function does not exist there).

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

4.What rule is used to differentiate ln(sin x)/x?

We use the quotient rule to differentiate ln(sin x)/x, d/dx (ln(sin x)/x) = (x cot x - ln(sin x))/x².

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow

5.Are the derivatives of ln(sin x) and ln(cos x) the same?

No, they are different. The derivative of ln(sin x) is cot x, while the derivative of ln(cos x) is -tan x.

Math FAQ Answers Dropdown Arrow
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Important Glossaries for the Derivative of ln(sin x)

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

 

  • Logarithmic Function: A function that uses logarithms, often denoted by ln(x).

 

  • Chain Rule: A rule for differentiating compositions of functions, used in finding the derivative of ln(sin x).

 

  • Cotangent Function: A trigonometric function that is the reciprocal of the tangent function, written as cot x.

 

  • Undefined Points: Points at which a function is not defined, such as where sin(x) = 0 for ln(sin x).
Math Teacher Background Image
Math Teacher Image

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.

Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Fun Fact

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

INDONESIA - Axa Tower 45th floor, JL prof. Dr Satrio Kav. 18, Kel. Karet Kuningan, Kec. Setiabudi, Kota Adm. Jakarta Selatan, Prov. DKI Jakarta
INDIA - H.No. 8-2-699/1, SyNo. 346, Rd No. 12, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana - 500034
SINGAPORE - 60 Paya Lebar Road #05-16, Paya Lebar Square, Singapore (409051)
USA - 251, Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, Delaware 19808
VIETNAM (Office 1) - Hung Vuong Building, 670 Ba Thang Hai, ward 14, district 10, Ho Chi Minh City
VIETNAM (Office 2) - 143 Nguyễn Thị Thập, Khu đô thị Him Lam, Quận 7, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
UAE - BrightChamps, 8W building 5th Floor, DAFZ, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
UK - Ground floor, Redwood House, Brotherswood Court, Almondsbury Business Park, Bristol, BS32 4QW, United Kingdom