Explain how Differentiation by the chain rule works

If the expression to be differentiated is a (differentiable) function of another (differentiable) function, then the chain rule must be applied. For example y= f(g(x)), where f and g are both differentiable, then dy/dx = f'(g(x)).g'(x). To simplify this, it can be looked at as a simple substitution:
Let g(x)=u, then, the chain rule states that, dy/dx=(du/dx).(dy/du). For example, should the expression to be differentiated be (cos(x))^2, then let u=cosx, du/dx = -sin(x), y=u^2, dy/du=2u, therefore dy/dx = -sin(x).2(cos(x)).

Answered by Gwyndaf O. Maths tutor

3240 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Show that the curve y =f(x) has exactly two turning points, where f(x)= x^3 - 3x^2 - 24x - 28


Find the inverse of a 2x2 matrix


Solve the simultaneous equations y = x^2 - 6x and 2y + x - 6 = 0


What is differentiation


We're here to help

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