Use the chain rule to differentiate y=1/x^2-2x-1

First we will rewrite y so it is written with a power: y=1/x2-2x-1=(x2-2x-1)-1 Now let u=x2-2x-1 => du/dx = 2x -2 Writing y in terms of u: y=u-1 => dy/du= -u-2 = - 1/u2 using the chain rule: dy/dx = dy/du x du/dx =-1/ux (2x-2) substituting back in the value of u: =-(2x-2)/(x2-2x-1)= dy/dx

Answered by Alicia P. Maths tutor

16364 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Find the first derivative of the line equation y=x^3 + 4


Differentiate x^3 + 6x + 1


Integrate lnx


show that y = (kx^2-1)/(kx^2+1) has exactly one stationary point when k is non-zero.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences