Question:medium

If \( I(\theta) = \cos \theta_1 \cos \theta_2 \cos \theta_3 \dots \cos \theta_n \), then \[ \tan \theta_1 + \tan \theta_2 + \tan \theta_3 + \cdots + \tan \theta_n = ? \]

Show Hint

To find the sum of tangents for trigonometric products, take the derivative of the product and apply the chain rule to relate it back to the original expression.
Updated On: Jun 30, 2026
  • \( \frac{I'(\theta)}{I(\theta)} \)
  • \( \frac{I(\theta)}{I'(\theta)} \)
  • \( \frac{I(\theta)}{I(\theta)} \)
  • \( \frac{I'(\theta)}{I'(\theta)} \)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
We have a product of cosine terms. When we need to find the sum of tangents (the derivatives of logs of cosines), logarithmic differentiation is the best technique.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Apply natural log (\( \ln \)) to both sides and differentiate with respect to \( \theta \).
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Given: \( f(\theta) = \prod_{i=1}^{n} \cos \theta_i \).
Taking log on both sides:
\( \ln f(\theta) = \ln(\cos \theta_1) + \ln(\cos \theta_2) + \dots + \ln(\cos \theta_n) \).
Differentiating with respect to \( \theta \):
\( \frac{1}{f(\theta)} \cdot f'(\theta) = \frac{-\sin \theta_1}{\cos \theta_1} + \frac{-\sin \theta_2}{\cos \theta_2} + \dots + \frac{-\sin \theta_n}{\cos \theta_n} \)
\( \frac{f'(\theta)}{f(\theta)} = -(\tan \theta_1 + \tan \theta_2 + \dots + \tan \theta_n) \).
Multiplying by -1:
\( \tan \theta_1 + \tan \theta_2 + \dots + \tan \theta_n = \frac{-f'(\theta)}{f(\theta)} \).
Step 4: Final Answer:
The sum is \( \frac{-f'(\theta)}{f(\theta)} \).
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