Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Derivative
The derivative of a function measures how the function's output value changes as its input value changes. It is a fundamental concept in calculus that provides the slope of the tangent line to the curve at any given point. The derivative can be computed using various rules, such as the power rule, product rule, and chain rule.
Recommended video:
Chain Rule
The chain rule is a formula for computing the derivative of the composition of two or more functions. It states that if you have a function that is composed of another function, the derivative can be found by multiplying the derivative of the outer function by the derivative of the inner function. This is particularly useful when dealing with functions raised to a power, as in the given problem.
Recommended video:
Secant Function
The secant function, denoted as sec(θ), is the reciprocal of the cosine function, defined as sec(θ) = 1/cos(θ). Understanding the secant function is essential when differentiating functions that include it, as it requires the application of the quotient rule and knowledge of trigonometric derivatives. Its behavior and properties are crucial for accurately finding derivatives involving trigonometric functions.
Recommended video:
Graphs of Secant and Cosecant Functions