In one concise sentence

MATHEMATICS · Subjective · AP · Calculus AB · Differentiation: Definition and Fundamental Properties · Differentiation: Definition and Fundamental Properties

Problem

In one concise sentence, explain why the derivative of

y = \frac{\text{d}}{\text{d}u}\bigl[\cot u\bigr]

carries a negative sign while the derivative of

y = \frac{\text{d}}{\text{d}u}[\tan u]

does not.

Related theory

Differentiation Rules
Derivatives of standard functions via chain rule
Derivatives of composite functions
Continuity and Differentiability

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