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Worked solution

Combine a square root with inverse cosine

Differentiate (a) cos⁡−1x\cos^{-1}\sqrt{x} and (b) tan⁡−1(x2)\tan^{-1}(x^2) with respect to xx.

CJC · Lecture · Self-Practice 6

(a) Apply both chain factors

For 0<x<10<x<1, let u=xu=\sqrt{x}. Then u′=1/(2x)u^{\prime}=1/(2\sqrt{x}) and d(cos⁡−1u)/dx=−u′/1−u2=−1/[2x1−x]=−1/[2x(1−x)]d(\cos^{-1}u)/dx=-u^{\prime}/\sqrt{1-u^2}=-1/[2\sqrt{x}\sqrt{1-x}]=-1/[2\sqrt{x(1-x)}], matching the printed answer. The original real function is defined on [0,1][0,1]; the displayed finite derivative holds on (0,1)(0,1).

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(b) Square the inner square in the denominator

The chain rule gives 2x/[1+(x2)2]=2x/(1+x4)2x/[1+(x^2)^2]=2x/(1+x^4), the printed answer, for all real xx.

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Common mistakes

The first ask is inverse cosine of √x, not inverse cosine of x. Its finite derivative excludes both endpoints.

Solution notes

Both copies print final answers without intermediate working. Intermediate derivations and domain explanations are independently authored. Student PDF/printed 15 corresponds to Teacher PDF/printed 16 for this self-practice. No printed marks or past-paper attribution.

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