Derivative of arctan x

ddx[arctan⁡(x)]=1x2+1\frac{d}{dx}\left[\arctan\left(x\right)\right] = \frac{1}{x^{2} + 1}

The inverse tangent flattens toward ±π/2, so its slope 1/(1 + x²) is largest (1) at the origin and fades toward 0 as |x| grows.

Derivation

  1. Inverse trig rule

    ddx[arctan⁡(x)]=1x2+1\frac{d}{dx}\left[\arctan\left(x\right)\right] = \frac{1}{x^{2} + 1}
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  • f(x) = arctan x
  • f′(x)

Drag the graph · at x = 1.20 the slope is 0.40984, the height of the dashed curve.

Open in the derivative calculator

Questions students ask

What is the derivative of arctan x?

ddx[arctan⁡(x)]=1x2+1\frac{d}{dx}\left[\arctan\left(x\right)\right] = \frac{1}{x^{2} + 1}.

How do you find the derivative of arctan x?

The inverse tangent flattens toward ±π/2, so its slope 1/(1 + x²) is largest (1) at the origin and fades toward 0 as |x| grows.

What is the integral of arctan x?

Use the integral calculator to find the antiderivative of arctan x step by step.