Explain how Differentiation by the chain rule works

If the expression to be differentiated is a (differentiable) function of another (differentiable) function, then the chain rule must be applied. For example y= f(g(x)), where f and g are both differentiable, then dy/dx = f'(g(x)).g'(x). To simplify this, it can be looked at as a simple substitution:
Let g(x)=u, then, the chain rule states that, dy/dx=(du/dx).(dy/du). For example, should the expression to be differentiated be (cos(x))^2, then let u=cosx, du/dx = -sin(x), y=u^2, dy/du=2u, therefore dy/dx = -sin(x).2(cos(x)).

GO
Answered by Gwyndaf O. Maths tutor

3776 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

The rate of growth of a population of micro-organisms is modelled by the equation: dP/dt = 3t^2+6t, where P is the population size at time t hours. Given that P=100 at t=1, find P in terms of t.


Find the exact gradient of the curve y=ln(1-cos2x) at the point with x-coordinate π/6


If given two parametric equations for a curve, how would you work out an equation for the gradient?


Find the gradient at the point (0, ln 2) on the curve with equation e^2y = 5 − e^−x . [4]


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