How do you differentiate the function sin²(x) cos(x)?

To differentiate the function sin²(x) cos(x), we will apply the product rule and the chain rule of differentiation.

The product rule states that if you have two functions multiplied together, say u and v, then the derivative is given by:

  • (u * v)’ = u’ * v + u * v’

In our case, let:

  • u = sin²(x)
  • v = cos(x)

Now, we need to find the derivatives of u and v:

  • For u: Since u = sin²(x), using the chain rule, we have:
  • u’ = 2sin(x) * cos(x) = sin(2x) (using the double angle formula)
  • For v: The derivative of cos(x) is:
  • v’ = -sin(x)

Now, apply the product rule:

  • (sin²(x) cos(x))’ = u’ * v + u * v’
  • = (sin(2x)) * (cos(x)) + (sin²(x)) * (-sin(x))

Putting this all together, we get:

  • (sin²(x) cos(x))’ = sin(2x) cos(x) – sin³(x)

Thus, the derivative of the function sin²(x) cos(x) is:

  • sin(2x) cos(x) – sin³(x)

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