# Derivative confusion

• April 25th 2009, 06:29 PM
janedoe
Derivative confusion
I'm confused....is $sec x^2$ the same thing as $sec^2 x$? I was told you rewrite these as $sec (x^2) and (sec x)^2$, respectively.

Now I have a problem and I'm unsure how to do it since I don't know the above rule:

Find the derivative of f(Θ) = secΘ^2

How would you rewrite this and how would you proceed?
If I treat it as (secΘ)^2 I get: 2secΘ^2(tanΘ)

Thanks=]
• April 25th 2009, 06:35 PM
mr fantastic
Quote:

Originally Posted by janedoe
I'm confused....is $sec x^2$ the same thing as $sec^2 x$? I was told you rewrite these as $sec (x^2) and (sec x)^2$, respectively.

Now I have a problem and I'm unsure how to do it since I don't know the above rule:

Find the derivative of f(Θ) = secΘ^2

How would you rewrite this and how would you proceed?
If I treat it as (secΘ)^2 I get: 2secΘ^2(tanΘ)

Thanks=]

What you've posted has several interpretations. Ask your instructor which one is intended.
• April 25th 2009, 07:35 PM
curvature
Quote:

Originally Posted by janedoe
I'm confused....is $sec x^2$ the same thing as $sec^2 x$? I was told you rewrite these as $sec (x^2) and (sec x)^2$, respectively.

Now I have a problem and I'm unsure how to do it since I don't know the above rule:

Find the derivative of f(Θ) = secΘ^2

How would you rewrite this and how would you proceed?
If I treat it as (secΘ)^2 I get: 2secΘ^2(tanΘ)

Thanks=]

According to math notations, $sec x^2=sec(x^2)$ (squared first, sec second) and $sec^2 x=(secx)^2$ (sec first, squared second).