What is the 'chain rule'?

The chain rule is incredibly useful when differentiating compositions of funcions. 

 

Until now you have really only met dy/dx as your derivative. By imagining dy/dx as a fraction, you can transform it into something using another parameter, for example t.

 

For example, just how 1/2 x 2/3 = 2/6 (multiply numerater, multiply denominator), dy/dx x dt/dy = dydt/dxdy, and the 'dy' values would cancel, giving dt/dx. This is only for this level of mathematics however, as in reality, you can't treat dy/dx as a fraction!

 

 

JA
Answered by James A. Maths tutor

4239 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Find an equation of the circle with centre C(5, -3) that passes through the point A(-2, 1) in the form (x-a)^2 + (y-b)^2 = k


Statistics: What is the difference between a Binomial and Poisson distribution?


The curve C has equation y = f(x) where f(x) = (4x + 1) / (x - 2) and x>2. Given that P is a point on C such that f'(x) = -1.


f(x)=ln(3x+1), x>0 and g(x)=d/dx(f(x)), x>0, find expressions for f^-1 and g


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences