How to differentiate y=(x^2+4x)^5

To differentiate y=(x2+4x)5 you need to use the chain rule. The chain rule uses the fact that dy/dx = dy/dt * dt/dx. 

Here we create a new variable t, where t = x2+4x. Substituting this in the original equation gives y=t5

Differentiating t=x2+4x with respect to x; dt/dx = 2x+4

Differentiating y=t5 with respect to t; dy/dt = 5t4

We can combine these two equations to find dy/dx, as the chain rule states dy/dx = dy/dt * dt/dx.

This gives dy/dx = 5t4*(2x+4)

Substituting in our value of t, gives the final answer dy/dx = 5(x2+4x)4(2x+4)

AM
Answered by Alexandra M. Maths tutor

7064 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Prove that sec^2(θ) + cosec^2(θ) = sec^2(θ) * cosec^2(θ)


Prove that the derivative of tan(x) is sec^2(x).


differentiate the following equation: y = x^2 + 2x


Calculate (7-i*sqrt(6))*(13+i*sqrt(6))


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning