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Last updated on July 24th, 2025

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Derivative of Arccot x

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We use the derivative of arccot(x), which is -1/(1 + x²), as a measuring tool for how the arccotangent 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 arccot(x) in detail.

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What is the Derivative of Arccot x?

We now understand the derivative of arccot x. It is commonly represented as d/dx (arccot x) or (arccot x)', and its value is -1/(1 + x²). The function arccot x has a clearly defined derivative, indicating it is differentiable within its domain. The key concepts are mentioned below: Arccotangent Function: The inverse of the cotangent function. Chain Rule: Useful for differentiating composite functions like arccot(x). Pythagorean Identity: Involves the relationship between sine, cosine, and tangent, essential for trigonometric derivatives.

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Derivative of Arccot x Formula

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

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Proofs of the Derivative of Arccot x

We can derive the derivative of arccot 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 First Principle Using Chain Rule Using Implicit Differentiation We will now demonstrate that the differentiation of arccot x results in -1/(1 + x²) using the above-mentioned methods: By First Principle The derivative of arccot x can be proved using the First Principle, which expresses the derivative as the limit of the difference quotient. To find the derivative of arccot x using the first principle, we will consider f(x) = arccot x. Its derivative can be expressed as the following limit. f'(x) = limₕ→₀ [f(x + h) - f(x)] / h Given that f(x) = arccot x, we write f(x + h) = arccot (x + h). Substituting these into the equation, f'(x) = limₕ→₀ [arccot(x + h) - arccot x] / h Using trigonometric identities, we know that arccot(x) is the angle whose cotangent is x, so we use implicit differentiation. Using Chain Rule To prove the differentiation of arccot x using the chain rule, We use the identity: arccot(x) = π/2 - arctan(x) Differentiate implicitly: d/dx [π/2 - arctan(x)] = -d/dx [arctan(x)] d/dx [arctan(x)] = 1/(1 + x²) Thus, d/dx [arccot(x)] = -1/(1 + x²) Using Implicit Differentiation We will prove the derivative of arccot x using implicit differentiation. The step-by-step process is demonstrated below: Consider y = arccot(x), then cot(y) = x. Differentiating both sides with respect to x gives: -csc²(y) dy/dx = 1 Thus, dy/dx = -1/(csc²(y)) Since csc²(y) = 1 + x², we have dy/dx = -1/(1 + x²)

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Higher-Order Derivatives of Arccot 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 arccot(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 arccot(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 is 0, the derivative of arccot x = -1/(1 + 0²), which is -1. When x approaches infinity, the derivative approaches 0, as arccot(x) tends to 0.

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Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in Derivatives of Arccot x

Students frequently make mistakes when differentiating arccot 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 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 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 Domain of Arccot x

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They might not remember that arccot x is undefined for complex numbers or non-real inputs. 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 for certain non-real domains.

Mistake 3

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Incorrect use of Chain Rule

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While differentiating functions such as arccot(g(x)), students might misapply the chain rule. For example: Incorrect differentiation: d/dx (arccot(g(x))) = -1/(1 + g(x)²). The correct application should be: d/dx (arccot(g(x))) = -g'(x)/(1 + g(x)²). To avoid this mistake, write the chain rule correctly and ensure you differentiate the inner function.

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 arccot x. For example, they incorrectly write d/dx (5 arccot x) as -1/(1 + x²). Students should check the constants in the terms and ensure they are multiplied properly. For example, the correct equation is d/dx (5 arccot x) = -5/(1 + x²).

Mistake 5

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Not Applying the Implicit Differentiation

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Students often forget to use implicit differentiation when necessary. This happens when the derivative of the inner function is not considered. For example, incorrect: d/dx (cot(arccot(x))) = 0. To fix this error, students should differentiate implicitly, considering the relationship between cotangent and arccotangent.

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Examples Using the Derivative of Arccot x

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Problem 1

Calculate the derivative of (arccot x · x²)

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Here, we have f(x) = arccot x · x². Using the product rule, f'(x) = u′v + uv′ In the given equation, u = arccot x and v = x². Let’s differentiate each term, u′ = d/dx (arccot x) = -1/(1 + x²) v′ = d/dx (x²) = 2x substituting into the given equation, f'(x) = (-1/(1 + x²)) · x² + (arccot x) · 2x Let’s simplify terms to get the final answer, f'(x) = -x²/(1 + x²) + 2x arccot x Thus, the derivative of the specified function is -x²/(1 + x²) + 2x arccot 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.

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Problem 2

A company tracks the rate at which a product's demand decreases over time. The demand is represented by the function y = arccot(x), where y represents the demand level at time x. If x = 2 months, measure the change in demand.

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We have y = arccot(x) (demand function)...(1) Now, we will differentiate the equation (1) Take the derivative of arccot(x): dy/dx = -1/(1 + x²) Given x = 2 (substitute this into the derivative) dy/dx = -1/(1 + 2²) = -1/5 Hence, the change in demand at time x = 2 months is -1/5.

Explanation

We find the change in demand at x = 2 months as -1/5, which means that at a given point, the demand decreases at a rate of 1/5 units per month.

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Problem 3

Derive the second derivative of the function y = arccot(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 = 2x/(1 + x²)² Therefore, the second derivative of the function y = arccot(x) is 2x/(1 + x²)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 (arccot²(x)) = -2 arccot(x) / (1 + x²).

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Let’s start using the chain rule: Consider y = arccot²(x) = [arccot(x)]² To differentiate, we use the chain rule: dy/dx = 2 arccot(x) · d/dx [arccot(x)] Since the derivative of arccot(x) is -1/(1 + x²), dy/dx = 2 arccot(x) · (-1/(1 + x²)) Substituting y = arccot²(x), d/dx (arccot²(x)) = -2 arccot(x)/(1 + x²) Hence proved.

Explanation

In this step-by-step process, we used the chain rule to differentiate the equation. Then, we replace arccot(x) with its derivative. As a final step, we substitute y = arccot²(x) to derive the equation.

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Problem 5

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

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

1.Find the derivative of arccot x.

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

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3.Is it possible to take the derivative of arccot x at x = 0?

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4.What rule is used to differentiate arccot x/x?

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

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

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Important Glossaries for the Derivative of Arccot x

Derivative: The derivative of a function indicates how the given function changes in response to a slight change in x. Arccotangent Function: The inverse of the cotangent function, symbolized as arccot x. Chain Rule: A rule used to differentiate composite functions, essential in finding the derivative of inverse functions. Implicit Differentiation: A method to differentiate equations not explicitly solved for one variable in terms of another. Pythagorean Identity: A fundamental relation between trigonometric functions, used in many derivative proofs.

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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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