Why do we get cos(x) when we differentiate sin(x)?

If we have an equation for a line, it follows a certain shape when put it on Cartesian axes. If we wish to find the value of the gradient of the graph at a certain coordinate, we can use differentiation to give us a numerical value. The easiest visualisation of differentiation is to look at the graphs y=sin(x) and y=cos(x). When we differentate sin, we get cos; as each cos point corresponds to the value of the gradient at each sin point. Where the gradient of sin is 0 (where the tangent to the curve is a horizontal line), for the same x value, the y value of a cos curve is also 0.

Answered by Sophie H. Maths tutor

4456 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Evaluate the indefinite integral when the integrand function is tan(x).


Show that x^2+6x+11 can be written in as (x+p)^2+q, where p and q are integers to be found.


Can I take a derivative at x=0 for the function f(x) = |x| ?


How to differentiate tan(x)?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences