Math Problem Statement

If f, of, x, equals, sine, to the power minus 1 , left parenthesis, x, right parenthesis, commaf(x)=sin −1 (x), then what is the value of f, prime, left parenthesis, start fraction, 2, divided by, 5, end fraction, right parenthesisf ′ ( 5 2 ​ ) in simplest form?

Solution

The given function is f(x)=sin1(x)f(x) = \sin^{-1}(x), which is the inverse sine function (also written as arcsin). We are tasked with finding f(x)f'(x), the derivative of f(x)f(x), and then evaluating it at x=25x = \frac{2}{5}.

Step 1: Find the derivative of f(x)=sin1(x)f(x) = \sin^{-1}(x)

The derivative of the inverse sine function is well-known:

f(x)=11x2f'(x) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{1 - x^2}}

Step 2: Evaluate f(x)f'(x) at x=25x = \frac{2}{5}

Substitute x=25x = \frac{2}{5} into the derivative formula:

f(25)=11(25)2f'\left( \frac{2}{5} \right) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{1 - \left(\frac{2}{5}\right)^2}}

Step 3: Simplify the expression

First, calculate (25)2\left(\frac{2}{5}\right)^2:

(25)2=425\left(\frac{2}{5}\right)^2 = \frac{4}{25}

Now, substitute that into the square root expression:

f(25)=11425f'\left( \frac{2}{5} \right) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{1 - \frac{4}{25}}}

Simplify the expression inside the square root:

1425=2525425=21251 - \frac{4}{25} = \frac{25}{25} - \frac{4}{25} = \frac{21}{25}

Now substitute this back into the expression:

f(25)=12125=1215=521f'\left( \frac{2}{5} \right) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{\frac{21}{25}}} = \frac{1}{\frac{\sqrt{21}}{5}} = \frac{5}{\sqrt{21}}

Step 4: Rationalize the denominator (optional)

To rationalize the denominator:

f(25)=5212121=52121f'\left( \frac{2}{5} \right) = \frac{5}{\sqrt{21}} \cdot \frac{\sqrt{21}}{\sqrt{21}} = \frac{5\sqrt{21}}{21}

Thus, the value of f(25)f'\left( \frac{2}{5} \right) in its simplest form is:

f(25)=52121f'\left( \frac{2}{5} \right) = \frac{5\sqrt{21}}{21}


Would you like more details on any steps? Here are five related questions:

  1. What is the derivative of f(x)=cos1(x)f(x) = \cos^{-1}(x)?
  2. How do you differentiate inverse trigonometric functions in general?
  3. What is the geometric interpretation of the derivative of an inverse sine function?
  4. How would the calculation change if the function were sin1(2x)\sin^{-1}(2x) instead of sin1(x)\sin^{-1}(x)?
  5. Can you explain why we rationalize the denominator, and when it's necessary?

Tip: Always double-check your algebra when simplifying expressions, especially when dealing with square roots and fractions!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Derivatives

Formulas

f'(x) = 1 / sqrt(1 - x^2)

Theorems

Derivative of Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 or College Level