# Derivative of f(x) = sinxcosx

Ryuk1990

f(x) = sinxcosx

## Homework Equations

Product Rule: f(x)g(x) = f(x)Dg(x) + g(x)Df(x)

## The Attempt at a Solution

I got to sinx(-sinx) + cosxcosx

The answer is supposed to be 0

Would the next step be turning it into -(sinx)2 + (cosx)2?

l'Hôpital

It can't be zero, because otherwise, you could integrate it and you'd obtain a constant, and clearly sinxcosx is not a constant. It's actually (sin 2x)/2

Homework Helper
Gold Member
$$\sin x \cos x = \frac{1}{2} \sin 2x$$
$$\cos 2x$$
$$\cos 2x = \cos^2 x - \sin^2 x$$
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