Differentiate y=(4x - 5)^5 by using the chain rule.

Notation: I use the ^ in the title question to indicated 'to the power of' and I use an asterisk * (or star) to indicate 'multiplied by' in the answer, to avoid confusion with the x term! 

Step 1) let u = 4x - 5      therefore y = u5

Step 2) du/dx = 4           dy/du = 5u4

Step 3) (the chain rule!)  dy/dx = dy/du * du/dx

so dy/dx = 5u4 * 4

     dy/dx = 20u4 

     dy/dx = 20(4x - 5)4 as we substitute for the u term to complete our answer! 

JE
Answered by Joseph E. Maths tutor

12784 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

How to differentiate 2x^5-4x^3+x^2 with respect to x


differentiate 4x^3 + 3x


Find f(x^(1/2)+4)dx (Where f is the integral sign)


If x^2 + 4x + 3xy + y^3 = 6, find the first derivative.


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