Math Problem Statement

If f'(x) = 1/(1 + x^2), g(x) = tan(x), then (f ∘ g)'(x) = … ?

Solution

We are given the following functions:

f(x)=11+x2f'(x) = \frac{1}{1 + x^2} and g(x)=tanxg(x) = \tan{x}

We need to compute (fg)(x)(f \circ g)'(x), which means we are looking for the derivative of the composite function f(g(x))f(g(x)). By the chain rule:

(fg)(x)=f(g(x))g(x)(f \circ g)'(x) = f'(g(x)) \cdot g'(x)

Step 1: Compute g(x)g'(x)

Since g(x)=tanxg(x) = \tan{x}, the derivative is:

g(x)=sec2xg'(x) = \sec^2{x}

Step 2: Substitute into the chain rule

Now, substitute f(x)f'(x) and g(x)g(x) into the chain rule expression:

(fg)(x)=f(g(x))g(x)(f \circ g)'(x) = f'(g(x)) \cdot g'(x)

We know f(x)=11+x2f'(x) = \frac{1}{1 + x^2}, so:

f(g(x))=11+(tanx)2f'(g(x)) = \frac{1}{1 + (\tan{x})^2}

Using the identity 1+tan2x=sec2x1 + \tan^2{x} = \sec^2{x}, we get:

f(g(x))=1sec2xf'(g(x)) = \frac{1}{\sec^2{x}}

Thus:

(fg)(x)=1sec2xsec2x=1(f \circ g)'(x) = \frac{1}{\sec^2{x}} \cdot \sec^2{x} = 1

Final Answer:

The correct answer is 1\boxed{1}, which corresponds to option bb.

Would you like more details on any part of this solution?

Here are 5 related questions you might find interesting:

  1. How does the chain rule apply to compositions of three functions?
  2. What is the derivative of cotx\cot{x}?
  3. Can the chain rule be applied to implicit differentiation problems?
  4. How do trigonometric identities simplify derivative calculations?
  5. What are the applications of composite function derivatives in physics?

Tip: Always remember key trigonometric identities like 1+tan2x=sec2x1 + \tan^2{x} = \sec^2{x} as they often simplify calculations in calculus.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Chain Rule
Trigonometric Functions
Composite Functions

Formulas

Chain Rule: (f ∘ g)'(x) = f'(g(x)) * g'(x)
Derivative of tan(x): d/dx [tan(x)] = sec^2(x)
Trigonometric Identity: 1 + tan^2(x) = sec^2(x)

Theorems

Chain Rule
Basic Trigonometric Identities

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 or first-year university calculus