Source: Extra Practice

What is the derivative of f(x) = sec(x)?

Options

Option A

tan^2(x)

Option B is correct

sec(x) * tan(x)

Option C

-sec(x) * tan(x)

Option D

sec^2(x)

Explanation

The derivative of sec(x) is a standard trigonometric derivative derived from 1/cos(x) using the quotient rule, resulting in sec(x)tan(x). Option A is incorrect as it's unrelated. Option C is incorrect because the derivative of sec(x) is positive (unlike csc(x)). Option D is the derivative of tan(x), not sec(x).