Differentiate y = (sin(x))^2 (find dy/dx)

This a relatively simple question which requires the use of the chain rule to solve. First we set u = sin(x)  so we then have y = u. Next we perform do differentiations, one on u as a function of x and the other on y as a function of u: dy/du = 2u du/dx = cos(x) Next we note that dy/dx = (dy/du)(du/dx) note how the du terms cancel out, striclty speaking it doesn't quite work this way but for this level it's fine to think of it as such. So dy/dx = 2ucos(x). We finally substitue sin(x) in for u and we have dy/dx = 2*sin(x)*cos(x).

TC
Answered by Tabraiz C. Maths tutor

17867 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Express 9^(3x+)1 in the form 3^y giving y in the form of ax+b where a and b are constants.


Differentiate y= (3x^2+2x-6)^8


Use the substitution u=3+(x+4)^1/2 to find the integral of 1/(3+(x+4)^1/2) dx between 0 and 5.


[FP2] Solve: 3 cosh x - 4 sinh x = 7


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning