How do I use the chain rule for differentiation?

Let’s say we’re given the equation y=(2x-6)^4we would know how to differentiate x^4, therefore we can take the substitution u=2x-6 to give us the equation y=u^4we then differentiate this equation (dy/du) to get 4u^3
However, we need dy/dx , and so we take the fact that dy/dx = (dy/du) x (du/dx)u=2x-6, therefore du/dx = 2And so dy/dx = 2 x 4u^3 = 8u^3

Answered by Natasha A. Maths tutor

2835 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

A ball is thrown in the air. The height of the ball at time t is given by: h=5+4t-2t^2. What is its maximum height? At what time does the ball reach this height?


Integrate xsin(2x) by dx between the limits 0 and pi/2.


How do you find the point of intersection of two vector lines?


The curve y = 2x^3 -ax^2 +8x+2 passes through the point B where x = 4. Given that B is a stationary point of the curve, find the value of the constant a.


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