Question

How do you derive y=tanx using the definition of the derivative?

Answer 1

Use the tangent of a sum, continuity of tangent and `lim_(hrarr0)tan h/h = 1`

Explanation:

`f(x) = tanx`

`f'(x) = lim_(hrarr0)(tan(x+h) - tanx)/h`

`= lim_(hrarr0)((tanx+tan h)/(1-tanxtan h) - tanx)/h`

`= lim_(hrarr0)(tanx+tan h- tanx+tan^2xtan h)/(h(1-tanxtan h))`

`= lim_(hrarr0)(tan h/h * (1+tan^2x)/(1-tanxtan h))`

`= (1) * (1+tan^2x)/(1-0) = 1+tan^2x = sec^2x`