Answer: -cos(cos(tanx)) sin(tanx) sec²x.
- A -cos(cos(tanx)) sin(tanx) sec²x
- B cos(cos(tanx)) × cos(tanx) × sec²x
- C -cos(cos(tanx)) × (-sin(tanx)) × sec²x
- D sin(cos(tanx)) cos(tan x) sec²x
Correct answer: A. -cos(cos(tanx)) sin(tanx) sec²x
Explanation: Chain rule (3 layers): dy/dx = cos(cos(tanx)) · d/dx[cos(tanx)]. Next layer: d/dx[cos(tanx)] = −sin(tanx)·sec²x. Combining: dy/dx = −cos(cos(tanx))·sin(tanx)·sec²x.
As point Q slides along the curve toward P, the secant line PQ rotates into the tangent line at P, whose slope is the derivative.
Concept context
Rate of change, differentiation rules, and applications