What is the chain rule and how is it used?
The chain rule is used to find the derivative of an expression in the form h(f(x)) where you have a function in terms of a function of x for example:
h(f(x)) = 2(3x+1)^3 where f(x) = 3x+1
In order to use the chain rule we first differentiate h(f(x)) with respect to f(x), in our example this gives 6(3x+1)^2. We then multiply this by the derivative of f(x) with respect to x. This gives a final derivative of 3*6(3x+1)^2.
JB
Related Maths A Level answers
All answers ▸How can the y=sin(x) graph be manipulated?
Find all the solutions of 2 cos 2x = 1 – 2 sinx in the interval 0 ≤ x ≤ 360°.
The point A lies on the curve y=5(x^2)+9x , The tangent to the curve at A is parralel to the line 2y-x=3. Find an equation to this tangent at A.
Find the equation of the line perpendicular to the line y= 3x + 5 that passes through the point (-1,4)