Toothpick Tangents Name:___________________________

Now that we know how to find derivatives of polynomials, it’s time to look at
some trigonometric functions. We will use toothpicks in this activity to help us
estimate slopes at various points.

1. The graph of the sine function is shown below. Use a toothpick to trace the slopes of the curve.

a. Where is the slope flattest? How do you know?

b. Where is the slope steepest? How do you know?

2. Place a toothpick tangent at each x-value to help you estimate the slope of the tangent line.
Some have been filled in for you.

𝑥 −5𝜋 −𝜋 −3𝜋 −𝜋 −𝜋 0 𝜋 𝜋 3𝜋 𝜋 5𝜋 3𝜋 7𝜋
4 4 2 4 4 2 4 4 2 4
Estimate of 0.707 −1
slope at 𝑥

3. Plot your slopes on the same set of axes using a colored pencil. Connect the points with a
smooth curve. What’s another name for a slopes graph?

4. Make your best guess as to the equation of the curve you drew in question 3. Consult with at
least two other groups to see if they agree or disagree.

-.
5. Using your equation in question 4, determine the exact slope of the sine curve at 𝑥 = /
.
 6. The graph of the cosine function is shown below. Use a toothpick to trace the slopes of the
curve.

a. Where is the slope flattest? How do you know?

b. Where is the slope steepest? How do you know?

7. Place a toothpick tangent at each x-value to help you estimate the slope of the tangent line. The
first one has been done for you as a reference.

𝑥 −5𝜋 −𝜋 −3𝜋 −𝜋 −𝜋 0 𝜋 𝜋 3𝜋 𝜋 5𝜋 3𝜋 7𝜋
4 4 2 4 4 2 4 4 2 4
Estimate of −1
slope at 𝑥

8. Plot your slopes on the same set of axes using a colored pencil. Connect the points with a
smooth curve.

9. Make your best guess as to the equation of the curve you drew in question 8. Consult with at
least two other groups to see if they agree or disagree.

0.
10. Using your equation in question 9, determine the exact slope of the cosine curve at 𝑥 = 1
 Topic 2.7—Derivatives of Sine and Cosine
Important Ideas:

Check Your Understanding!

.
1. Let 𝑓(𝑥) = 3 cos 𝑥 − 2𝑥. Find 𝑓′( - ).

/.
2. Find the equation of the line tangent to 𝑦 = −2 sin 𝑥 + 5 at 𝑥 = -
.

3. Given that 𝑔(𝑥) = 8 cos 𝑥, list three intervals where 𝑔′(𝑥) > 0.

EFG BHI
4. Evaluate lim
B→D. BHD.