Derivative of tan(x)

Calculus

Statement

The derivative of $ \tan(x) $ is:

$$ \tfrac{d}{dx}\bigg(\tan(x)\bigg) = 1 + \tan(x)^2 $$

Proof

Define function $ f $.

$$ f(x) = \tan(x) $$

Rewrite $ f $ by using tangent is sine divided by cosine.

$$ f(x) = \frac{\sin(x)}{\cos(x)} $$

Now differentiate this function with the quotient rule, $ \frac{d}{dx}\big(\sin(x)\big) = \cos(x) $ and $ \frac{d}{dx}\big(\cos(x)\big) = -\sin(x) $.

$$ f'(x) = \frac{\cos(x)* \cos(x) - \sin(x)* - \sin(x)}{\cos(x)^2} $$

Simplify this function and split the fraction.

$$ f'(x) = \frac{\cos(x)^2 + \sin(x)^2}{\cos(x)^2} = \frac{\cos(x)^2}{\cos(x)^2} + \frac{\sin(x)^2}{\cos(x^2)} $$

Finally, use that tangent is sine divided by cosine.

$$ f'(x) = 1 + \tan(x)^2 $$