Differentiation rules > Derivative of trigonometric functions
123456Derivative of trigonometric functions

Theory

Differentiation of functions containing sine and/or cosine is based on:

  • the derivative of f ( x ) = sin ( x ) is f ' ( x ) = cos ( x )

  • the derivative of f ( x ) = cos ( x ) is f ' ( x ) = - sin ( x )

To find the derivative of a function containing sine and/or cosine you often need the other differentiation rules as well.

When differentiating a sinusoid, for instance, you need to take into account the chain rule and the rule of constants.

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