Use the chain rule to differentiate y=1/x^2-2x-1

First we will rewrite y so it is written with a power: y=1/x2-2x-1=(x2-2x-1)-1 Now let u=x2-2x-1 => du/dx = 2x -2 Writing y in terms of u: y=u-1 => dy/du= -u-2 = - 1/u2 using the chain rule: dy/dx = dy/du x du/dx =-1/ux (2x-2) substituting back in the value of u: =-(2x-2)/(x2-2x-1)= dy/dx

AP
Answered by Alicia P. Maths tutor

17430 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Differentiate (x^2)cos(3x) with respect to x


Find X log(x)=4 Base 10


Solve the simultaneous equation: y+4x+1=0 y^2+5x^2+2x=0


Differentiate x^2 + xy + y^2 =1 implicitly.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning