How do you use the chain rule?


The chain rule is used to differentiate when there is a function within another function. For example y=(4x+6)0.5, y=(x+1)3The general formula for the chain rule is dy/dx= dy/du * du/dxAn example of this is differentiate y=(2x+3)3Let u= 2x +3 this means y = u3differentiate each term ...du/dx = 2. dy/du = 3u2. so dy/dx = dy/ du * du/dx = 3u2 * 2 = 6u2substitute the expression for u back into the equation so that it is in terms of x. dy/dx = 6(2x+3)2

Answered by Frances C. Maths tutor

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