What is the second derivative of f(x)=tan(3x)?

1 Answer
Dec 14, 2015

f''(x)=18sec^2(3x)tan(3x)

Explanation:

We will use the chain rule, together with the derivatives:

  • d/dx tan(x) = sec^2(x)

  • d/dx 3x = 3

  • d/dx x^2 = 2x

  • d/dx sec(x) = sec(x)tan(x)

First Derivative:
f'(x) = d/dx tan(3x)

= sec^2(3x)(d/dx3x)

= 3sec^2(3x)

Second Derivative:

f''(x) = d/dx(f'(x))

= d/dx(3sec^2(3x))

= 3d/dx(sec^2(3x))

= 3(2sec(3x))(d/dxsec(3x))

=6sec(3x)(sec(3x)tan(3x))(d/dx3x)

=18sec^2(3x)tan(3x)