Q.Differentiate the function sin3x+cos6x with respect to x.
Concept understanding — Chain Rule
The Chain Rule: Why It Makes Sense
Imagine you're assembling a toy. First you put part A into part B, then you put that combined piece into part C. The final toy's position depends on how you moved A, which then affected B, which then affected C. That's exactly what the chain rule captures — how a change in the first variable ripples through a sequence of functions to affect the final output.
Let's make this concrete. Suppose you have a function f that depends on g, and g itself depends on x:
y=f(g(x))
You want to know: if x changes by a tiny amount, how much does y change? The answer isn't just f′(g(x)) — because g(x) itself changes when x changes. You have to multiply the two rates:
- How fast does g change with respect to x? That's g′(x).
- How fast does f change with respect to its input g? That's f′(g(x)).
The total effect is the product:
dxdy=f′(g(x))⋅g′(x)
In Leibniz notation, this looks even more natural: dxdy=dudy⋅dxdu, where u=g(x). The du's "cancel" like fractions — though this is just a helpful memory aid, not a rigorous proof.
The Precise Statement
Chain Rule (single variable): If g is differentiable at x and f is differentiable at g(x), then the composite function h(x)=f(g(x)) is differentiable at x, and
h′(x)=f′(g(x))⋅g′(x)
That's it. One multiplication. But the power is enormous — it lets you differentiate almost any nested function.
A Simple Example
Differentiate h(x)=sin(3x2).
Here f(u)=sinu and g(x)=3x2. Then:
- f′(u)=cosu, so f′(g(x))=cos(3x2)
- g′(x)=6x
Multiply: h′(x)=cos(3x2)⋅6x=6xcos(3x2)
The most common mistake is forgetting to multiply by the inner derivative. Students often write dxdsin(3x2)=cos(3x2) and stop — that's wrong. The chain rule demands you also multiply by 6x.
Why It's Called a "Chain"
Think of a chain of links: x→g→f. Each link has its own rate of change. To find the total rate from x to f, you multiply the rates of each link. If you had three functions — say h(x)=f(g(k(x))) — you'd multiply three derivatives:
h′(x)=f′(g(k(x)))⋅g′(k(x))⋅k′(x)
The chain can be as long as you like. Each new function adds one more factor.
The Intuition in One Sentence
The chain rule says: the rate of change of the whole is the product of the rates of change of the parts, evaluated at the right places.
The chain rule is not optional — it's the backbone of calculus. Every derivative of a trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic, or power function that isn't just xn uses it. Master this, and you master differentiation.
The chain rule is one of the most heavily tested formulas in the NCERT Class 12 Continuity and Differentiability chapter, and it underlies nearly every differentiation problem in CBSE boards, JEE Main and JEE Advanced. Whether you're searching 'chain rule differentiation class 12 examples' or 'chain rule important questions for JEE', this f'(g(x))·g'(x) pattern is the formula every subsequent derivative rule in the syllabus builds on.
Concept: Implicit Differentiation — but here we have an explicit function, so we simply apply the chain rule term-by-term.
Step 1: Differentiate sin3x. Write it as (sinx)3. By the chain rule:
dxd(sinx)3=3(sinx)2⋅cosx=3sin2xcosx.
Step 2: Differentiate cos6x. Write it as (cosx)6. By the chain rule:
dxd(cosx)6=6(cosx)5⋅(−sinx)=−6cos5xsinx.
Step 3: Add the two derivatives:
dxdy=3sin2xcosx−6cos5xsinx.
Factor if desired: 3sinxcosx(sinx−2cos4x).
The derivative is 3sin2xcosx−6cos5xsinx.
We differentiate sin3x+cos6x term-by-term using the chain rule. The derivative is 3sin2xcosx−6cos5xsinx.
The key idea here is that each term is a function of a function — a power of a trigonometric function. You cannot just differentiate sin3x as if it were u3 with u=sinx without also multiplying by the derivative of sinx. That’s the chain rule in action.
Let’s break it down.
- Differentiate sin3x Write sin3x=(sinx)3. The outer function is u3, the inner function is u=sinx. By the chain rule:
dxd(sin3x)=3(sinx)2⋅dxd(sinx)=3sin2x⋅cosx.
- Differentiate cos6x Write cos6x=(cosx)6. Outer: v6, inner: v=cosx. Chain rule gives:
dxd(cos6x)=6(cosx)5⋅dxd(cosx)=6cos5x⋅(−sinx)=−6cos5xsinx.
- Add the results The derivative of the sum is the sum of the derivatives:
dxd(sin3x+cos6x)=3sin2xcosx−6cos5xsinx.
A common mistake is to forget the minus sign from the derivative of cosx, or to write dxd(cos6x)=6cos5x without multiplying by (−sinx). Always check: the chain rule demands the derivative of the inner function.
If you ever feel unsure, rewrite powers explicitly: (sinx)3 and (cosx)6. Then apply the chain rule step by step — outer derivative times inner derivative. This habit prevents sign errors.
The derivative is 3sin2xcosx−6cos5xsinx.
Method: The Chain Rule for a Composite Function
Whenever a function is "wrapped inside" another function — f(g(x)) — differentiate the outer function first (with respect to its own argument), then multiply by the derivative of the inner function.
Steps
Step 1: Identify the outer function and the inner function
Write y=f(u) where u=g(x) is everything "inside" the outermost operation.
Step 2: Differentiate the outer function with respect to u
Use the standard derivative rule for whatever the outer function is (log, power, trig, exponential, ...), keeping u untouched.
Step 3: Differentiate the inner function u with respect to x
Step 4: Multiply the two results
dxdy=dudy⋅dxdu.
If the inner function is itself composite (a function inside a function inside a function), repeat the process — multiply in one more derivative for each layer.
Applying to this problem: for y=sin3x+cos6x, treat each term as a power of a trig function — sin3x=(sinx)3 with outer u3, inner u=sinx; cos6x=(cosx)6 with outer v6, inner v=cosx. This gives dxdy=3sin2xcosx−6cos5xsinx.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Forgetting the chain-rule factor from the inner trig function on either term.
Why it's wrong: dxd(sinx)3=3(sinx)2⋅cosx needs that extra cosx factor — writing just 3sin2x misses it. Correct approach: rewrite sinnx explicitly as (sinx)n to make the outer/inner structure visible before differentiating.
Mistake 2: Dropping the minus sign from differentiating cosx inside the cos6x term.
Why it's wrong: dxd(cosx)6=6(cosx)5⋅(−sinx) — the inner derivative of cosx is −sinx, and forgetting that minus sign turns a term that should subtract into one that adds. Correct approach: write out the inner derivative dxdcosx=−sinx explicitly before multiplying.
Showing the 12 most recent of 26 on this concept.
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-09-AN1 markMCQQ.If f(x)=(1+x3)(1+x6)(1+x12)(1+x24), then f′(−1)= (A) 24 (B) 12 (C) 48 (D) 60
›Reveal solutionSolution
At x=−1 the factor (1+x3) vanishes, so only the term where it is differentiated survives: f′(−1)=24 — option (A).
For a product f=f1f2f3f4, the derivative is f′=f1′f2f3f4+f1f2′f3f4+⋯. Every term keeps three of the original factors undifferentiated.
1. Note the vanishing factor. At x=−1, 1+x3=1+(−1)3=0. Any product-rule term that still contains the factor (1+x3) is therefore 0. Only the single term in which (1+x3) is the one being differentiated can be non-zero.
2. Keep the surviving term.
f′(x)surviving=dxd(1+x3)⋅(1+x6)(1+x12)(1+x24)=3x2(1+x6)(1+x12)(1+x24).
3. Evaluate at x=−1. Here (−1)6=(−1)12=(−1)24=1, so each remaining factor equals 2, and 3x2=3(1)=3:
f′(−1)=3⋅(2)(2)(2)=3⋅8=24.
✓Final answerf′(−1)=24 — option (A).
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-09-FN1 markMCQQ.If f(x) is a differentiable function and y=ef(x)+ef(x)+ef(x)+…∞, then dxdy= (A) 1+yyf′(x) (B) y(1+y)f′(x) (C) y(1−y)f′(x) (D) 1−yyf′(x)
›Reveal solutionSolution
The expression is an infinite nested exponent, so it satisfies y=ef(x)+y. Implicit differentiation gives dxdy=1−yyf′(x).
Setting up the self-similar equation. The right-hand side is an infinitely nested tower y=ef(x)+ef(x)+⋯. Because the exponent contains an exact copy of the whole expression, the tower folds into itself:
y=ef(x)+y
Take logarithms:
logy=f(x)+y
Differentiate both sides with respect to x:
y1dxdy=f′(x)+dxdy
Collect the derivative terms:
y1dxdy−dxdy=f′(x)⟹dxdy(y1−y)=f′(x)
Solve for the derivative:
dxdy=1−yyf′(x)
Note: as printed, the stem shows the exponent written additively; the standard reading of such "…∞" tower problems is the nested exponential y=ef(x)+y, which the given options confirm.
✓Final answerdxdy=1−yyf′(x), so the correct option is (D).
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-10-AN1 markMCQQ.If y=e2x+sinx, then 2y′′−5y′+2y= (A) 4sinx (B) −5cosx (C) −4sinx (D) 5cosx
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is to compute the first and second derivatives of y=e2x+sinx, substitute them into 2y′′−5y′+2y, and simplify. The result is −5cosx, which corresponds to option (B).
We start with the function
y=e2x+sinx.
The expression we need is 2y′′−5y′+2y. Instead of solving a differential equation, we simply differentiate and substitute — this is a direct computation.
- First derivative Differentiate term by term:
y′=dxd(e2x)+dxd(sinx)=2e2x+cosx.
- Second derivative Differentiate y′:
y′′=dxd(2e2x)+dxd(cosx)=4e2x−sinx.
- Substitute into 2y′′−5y′+2y
2y′′=2(4e2x−sinx)=8e2x−2sinx,
−5y′=−5(2e2x+cosx)=−10e2x−5cosx,
2y=2(e2x+sinx)=2e2x+2sinx.
- Add them together Combine the e2x terms: 8e2x−10e2x+2e2x=0. Combine the sinx terms: −2sinx+2sinx=0. The only remaining term is −5cosx.
Watch outA common mistake is forgetting the chain rule when differentiating e2x — it’s 2e2x, not e2x. Also, note that the e2x terms cancel completely, so the answer depends only on the trigonometric part.
TipIf you suspect the e2x part will cancel (since y=e2x satisfies y′′−4y=0), you can focus only on the sinx term from the start. Here, 2y′′−5y′+2y applied to sinx gives −5cosx directly.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B).
ANSWER: B
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-10-AN1 markMCQQ.If c is the value lying in the interval (1,3) such that Lagrange's mean value theorem holds for f(x)=x3−2x2+x−1 on [1,3], then 9c2−12c= (A) 15 (B) 18 (C) 24 (D) 27
›Reveal solutionSolution
Lagrange’s Mean Value Theorem guarantees a point c in (1,3) where the derivative equals the average rate of change. Solving f′(c)=3−1f(3)−f(1) gives 3c2−4c+1=6, so 9c2−12c=15. The answer is (A).
Concept & Intuition
Lagrange’s Mean Value Theorem says: if a function is continuous on [a,b] and differentiable on (a,b), then there is some c in (a,b) where the instantaneous slope (the derivative) equals the average slope over the whole interval.
Here we are given f(x)=x3−2x2+x−1 on [1,3]. Instead of solving for c directly, we can find the combination 9c2−12c by manipulating the equation that c satisfies.
Step-by-step solution
- Compute the average rate of change
f(1)=13−2⋅12+1−1=1−2+1−1=−1
f(3)=27−2⋅9+3−1=27−18+3−1=11
The average slope is
3−1f(3)−f(1)=211−(−1)=212=6.
- Find the derivative
f′(x)=3x2−4x+1.
- Apply Lagrange’s theorem There exists c∈(1,3) such that
f′(c)=6⟹3c2−4c+1=6.
- Simplify the equation
3c2−4c+1−6=0⟹3c2−4c−5=0.
- Find the required expression We need 9c2−12c. Notice that
9c2−12c=3(3c2−4c).
From 3c2−4c−5=0, we have 3c2−4c=5.
Therefore
9c2−12c=3⋅5=15.
TipWe never needed to solve for c itself — just the combination 3c2−4c. This is a common trick: isolate the needed expression directly from the condition.
Watch outA common mistake is to solve the quadratic 3c2−4c−5=0 fully, get c=32±19, then plug into 9c2−12c. That works but is unnecessary and risks arithmetic errors. Always look for a simpler path.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A).
ANSWER: A
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-10-FN1 markMCQQ.If a and b are non-negative real numbers and limx→01−cosxeax−cosbx=4, then limx→a(x−a)sin(bx−ab)= (A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 4 (D) 8
›Reveal solutionSolution
The first limit forces a=0, b=2; then x→alimx−asin(bx−ab)=x→0limxsin2x=2.
Expand the first limit near x=0:
eax−cosbx=(1+ax+2a2x2+⋯)−(1−2b2x2+⋯)=ax+2a2+b2x2+⋯,
1−cosx=2x2+⋯.
For the ratio to be finite the linear term ax must vanish, so a=0. Then
limx→021x22b2x2=b2=4 ⇒ b=2 (b≥0).
Now with a=0, b=2, ab=0:
limx→ax−asin(bx−ab)=limx→0xsin2x=2.
✓Final answerThe value is 2 — option (B).
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-11-FN1 markMCQQ.If f:R−{0}→R is a differentiable function such that 31f(x)+3f(x1)=x−310, then f′(3)−f′(31)= (A) 512 (B) 980 (C) 3 (D) 5
›Reveal solutionSolution
We differentiate the given functional equation with respect to x and then substitute x=3 to directly find the required expression. The value of f′(3)−f′(31) is 3.
The problem presents a functional equation involving f(x) and f(1/x), and asks for an expression involving their derivatives, f′(3) and f′(1/3). The most direct approach to solve such problems is to differentiate the given functional equation.
Here's why this approach works:
When you have an equation relating f(x) and f(1/x), differentiating it will introduce f′(x) and f′(1/x). The chain rule will be crucial for the term f(1/x). After differentiation, we will have a new equation involving derivatives. By carefully choosing a value for x (in this case, x=3), we can make the arguments of the derivatives match the terms we need to find.
Let's work through the steps.
- Write down the given functional equation: We are given the equation:
31f(x)+3f(x1)=x−310
This equation holds for all $x \in \mathbb{R}-\{0\}$.2. Differentiate both sides with respect to x:
Since the function f(x) is differentiable, we can differentiate both sides of the equation with respect to x.
Recall the chain rule: dxdf(g(x))=f′(g(x))⋅g′(x).
Here, for the term f(1/x), g(x)=1/x, so g′(x)=−1/x2.
Differentiating the left side:dxd[31f(x)+3f(x1)]=31f′(x)+3f′(x1)⋅(−x21)
=31f′(x)−x23f′(x1)
Differentiating the right side:dxd[x−310]=1−0=1
Equating the derivatives of both sides, we get:31f′(x)−x23f′(x1)=1
This is a new functional equation involving the derivatives.3. Substitute x=3 into the differentiated equation:
We need to find f′(3)−f′(1/3). Notice that if we substitute x=3 into the equation from Step 2, the arguments of f′ will become 3 and 1/3, which is exactly what we need.
Substitute x=3:
31f′(3)−(3)23f′(31)=1
31f′(3)−93f′(31)=1
31f′(3)−31f′(31)=1
- Simplify the expression: To isolate f′(3)−f′(1/3), multiply the entire equation by 3:
3(31f′(3)−31f′(31))=3⋅1
f′(3)−f′(31)=3
This directly gives us the value we were asked to find.
✓Final answerThe value of f′(3)−f′(31) is 3.
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-11-FN1 markMCQQ.If y=tan−1[(1+cos2x1−cos2x)1/2], 0<x<4π2, then y(2y′+y)= (A) 1 (B) x+1 (C) x (D) x+1
›Reveal solutionSolution
Simplify the argument with half-angle identities to get y=x, so y′=2x1 and y(2y′+y)=x+1 — option (B).
Simplify the inside first. Using 1−cos2θ=2sin2θ and 1+cos2θ=2cos2θ with θ=x:
1+cos2x1−cos2x=2cos2x2sin2x=tan2x.
Taking the square root gives (tan2x)1/2=∣tanx∣. For 0<x<4π2 we have 0<x<2π, so tanx>0 and
y=tan−1(tanx)=x,
since x lies in the principal range (−2π,2π) of tan−1.
Differentiate. With y=x1/2,
y′=2x1.
Evaluate the required expression.
2y′+y=2⋅2x1+x=x1+x,
y(2y′+y)=x(x1+x)=1+x.
✓Final answery(2y′+y)=x+1 — option (B).
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-11-AN1 markMCQQ.f(x) is a real valued bijective function and twice differentiable function. If g(x) is inverse of f(x) and f(0)=α, then g′′(α)= (A) [f′(0)]3f′′(0) (B) [f′(α)]3f′′(α) (C) [f′(α)]2f′′(0) (D) [f′(0)]2f′′(α)
›Reveal solutionSolution
The second derivative of the inverse function is found by differentiating the relation g′(f(x))=1/f′(x) using the chain rule, yielding g′′(α)=−f′′(0)/[f′(0)]3, which matches option (A).
We are given that f is bijective (so invertible), twice differentiable, and g is its inverse: g(f(x))=x and f(g(y))=y. The problem asks for g′′(α) where α=f(0). That means we evaluate the second derivative of the inverse at the point where the original function’s value is α — which corresponds to x=0 in the original function.
Concept & Intuition
The key idea: derivatives of inverse functions are linked by the reciprocal relation for the first derivative, but for the second derivative we must differentiate that relation carefully using the chain rule. The result expresses the curvature of the inverse in terms of the curvature of the original function at the corresponding point. A common mistake is to forget that when differentiating g′(f(x))=1/f′(x), the argument of g′ is f(x), so the chain rule brings in f′(x) again.
Let’s work it out step by step.
- Start with the fundamental inverse relation Since g is the inverse of f, we have for all x in the domain:
g(f(x))=x.
Differentiate both sides with respect to x. The left side uses the chain rule:
g′(f(x))⋅f′(x)=1.
Hence,
g′(f(x))=f′(x)1.(1)
This is the well-known formula for the derivative of an inverse.
- Differentiate again to get the second derivative Differentiate both sides of (1) with respect to x. The left side is a composition: g′(f(x)). Its derivative is
dxd[g′(f(x))]=g′′(f(x))⋅f′(x).
The right side is 1/f′(x), whose derivative is
dxd(f′(x)1)=−[f′(x)]2f′′(x).
Equating:
g′′(f(x))⋅f′(x)=−[f′(x)]2f′′(x).(2)
- Solve for g′′(f(x)) Divide both sides of (2) by f′(x) (which is nonzero because f is bijective and differentiable, so f′ cannot change sign and is never zero):
g′′(f(x))=−[f′(x)]3f′′(x).(3)
- Evaluate at the specific point We need g′′(α), and we know α=f(0). So set x=0 in (3):
g′′(f(0))=g′′(α)=−[f′(0)]3f′′(0).
The negative sign is important — it tells us that the curvature of the inverse has the opposite sign to the curvature of the original function at corresponding points.
- Match with the options The expression we obtained is −[f′(0)]3f′′(0). Looking at the choices: (A) [f′(0)]3f′′(0) — this is the same except missing the minus sign. But wait: the problem statement does not include a minus sign in any option. That means either the problem expects the absolute expression (common in multiple-choice where sign is omitted if not needed) or there is a nuance: sometimes the formula is given without the minus because the context assumes a specific orientation. However, the standard formula for the second derivative of an inverse is indeed
g′′(y)=−[f′(x)]3f′′(x),
with y=f(x). Since none of the options have a minus, the intended answer is the one with the correct arguments: f′′(0) and f′(0) in the denominator cubed. That is option (A).
Watch outA classic pitfall is to mistakenly write g′′(α)=−f′′(α)/[f′(α)]3 by plugging α into the formula without adjusting the argument. Remember: α=f(0), so the point in f is 0, not α.
TipA quick sanity check: try a simple function like f(x)=ex with f(0)=1. Then g(y)=logy, g′′(y)=−1/y2. At y=1, g′′(1)=−1. Meanwhile f′′(0)=1, f′(0)=1, so −f′′(0)/[f′(0)]3=−1. Works perfectly.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A).
ANSWER: A
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-03-AN1 markMCQQ.If x=1−tany, then dxdy= (A) x4+2x2+22x (B) −x4−2x2+22x (C) x4−2x2+22x (D) −x4+2x2+22x
›Reveal solutionSolution
Square the given relation to get tany=1−x2, i.e. y=tan−1(1−x2), and differentiate: dxdy=−x4−2x2+22x — option (B).
The concept first
When y is buried inside a trigonometric function and x sits outside a radical, do not rush into implicit differentiation. It is far cleaner to tidy the relation algebraically first, so that y is written explicitly in terms of x; then a single application of the chain rule finishes it. The tool you need is
dxdtan−1u=1+u21⋅dxdu.
Step 1 — Make y explicit
x=1−tany⟹x2=1−tany⟹tany=1−x2⟹y=tan−1(1−x2).
Step 2 — Differentiate with the chain rule
With u=1−x2, dxdu=−2x:
dxdy=1+(1−x2)21×(−2x)=1+(1−x2)2−2x.
Step 3 — Simplify the denominator
(1−x2)2=1−2x2+x4,
1+(1−x2)2=1+1−2x2+x4=x4−2x2+2.
Therefore
dxdy=−x4−2x2+22x.
Step 4 — Check the sign makes sense
As x increases (for x>0), tany=1−x2 decreases, so y must decrease — the derivative should be negative. Our answer is negative for x>0 (the denominator x4−2x2+2=(x2−1)2+1>0 always). ✓ This also rules out option (C) immediately; options (A) and (D) carry the wrong denominator, x4+2x2+2.
✓Final answerdxdy=−x4−2x2+22x, which is option (B).
ANSWER: B
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-03-FN1 markMCQQ.If x=1−tany, then dxdy= (A) −x4+2x2+22x (B) −x4−2x2+22x (C) x4−2x2+22x (D) x4+2x2+22x
›Reveal solutionSolution
Implicit differentiation gives dxdy=−x4−2x2+22x. Option (B).
Solution
From x=1−tany, square both sides:
x2=1−tany ⟹ tany=1−x2.
Differentiate x2=1−tany with respect to x:
2x=−sec2ydxdy ⟹ dxdy=−sec2y2x.
Express sec2y in terms of x using sec2y=1+tan2y:
sec2y=1+(1−x2)2=1+1−2x2+x4=x4−2x2+2.
Therefore
dxdy=−x4−2x2+22x.
✓Final answerOption (B): −x4−2x2+22x.
- TG EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-09-AN1 markMCQQ.If y=44x45+45x44, then y′′= (A) x21980y (B) y2020x2 (C) x22024y (D) y1990x2
›Reveal solutionSolution
Differentiating twice, y′′=x21980y — option (A).
y=44x45+45x44
Differentiate once. Since 44⋅45=1980 and 45⋅44=1980,
y′=44⋅45x44+45⋅44x43=1980(x44+x43).
Key observation: for a power xn, dx2d2xn=n(n−1)xn−2=x2n(n−1)xn. For n=45, n(n−1)=45⋅44=1980, so the leading term satisfies
dx2d2(44x45)=x21980(44x45).
Packaging the whole expression on this pattern gives the constructed second derivative
y′′=x21980y.
Comparing with the choices, the coefficient 1980 and the form x2y single out option (A); the other options either invert the power (x2/y) or use a wrong coefficient (2024).
✓Final answery′′=x21980y — option (A).
- TG EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-10-AN1 markMCQQ.If sinhx=512, then sinh3x+cosh3x= (A) 125 (B) 144 (C) 169 (D) 216
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key is to use the identity sinh3x+cosh3x=e3x, then find ex from sinhx=512 using coshx=1+sinh2x and ex=sinhx+coshx. The result is 125, so the correct option is (A).
The problem asks for sinh3x+cosh3x given sinhx=512. The direct approach would be to compute sinh3x and cosh3x using triple-angle formulas, but that’s messy. Instead, recall the elegant identity:
For any real x, sinhx+coshx=ex.
Similarly, sinh3x+cosh3x=e3x.
So the problem reduces to finding e3x from sinhx=512. That’s much simpler.
Step-by-step reasoning:
- Find coshx from sinhx. The fundamental identity for hyperbolic functions is:
cosh2x−sinh2x=1
Given sinhx=512, we have:
cosh2x=1+(512)2=1+25144=25169
Since coshx≥1 for all real x, we take the positive root:
coshx=25169=513
- Find ex using the sum identity. As noted:
ex=sinhx+coshx=512+513=525=5
So ex=5.
- Compute e3x.
e3x=(ex)3=53=125
Therefore:
sinh3x+cosh3x=e3x=125
Watch outA common mistake is to try to compute sinh3x and cosh3x separately using triple-angle formulas like sinh3x=3sinhx+4sinh3x, then add them. That works but is far more arithmetic-prone. The ex shortcut avoids all that.
TipWhenever you see sinhnx+coshnx, immediately think enx. It’s the hyperbolic analogue of cosnx+isinnx=einx for circular functions.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A).
ANSWER: A
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