Derivatives of Inverse Trigonometric Functions - At A Glance

Finding derivatives of inverse trig functions will be similar to finding the derivative of ln x. Our main tool is the chain rule. We also need some background information:

  • the fact that composing inverse functions gets us back where we started.
      
  • the Pythagorean Theorem
      
  • SOHCAHTOA

Here is a recap video of Pythagorean Theorem.

   

Here is a recap video on SOHCAHTOA.

Example 1

What is the derivative of arcsin x?


Exercise 1

Find the derivative of the function. 

  • arccos x

Exercise 2

Find the derivative of the function.

  • arctan x