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
Related Maths A Level answers
All answers ▸The point A lies on the curve with equation y=x^0.5. The tangent to this curve at A is parallel to the line 3y-2x=1 . Find an equation of this tangent at A. [5 marks]
Explain the chain rule of differentiation
A 10 kilogram block slides down a 30 degree inclined slope, the slope has a coefficient of friction of 0.2. Calculcate the blocks acceleration down the slope.
Differentiate the function f(x)=2xsin3x