What is dy/dx when y=ln(6x)?

This is a common question on A2 Maths papers as it tests both the ability to use the chain rule and the ability to differentiate natural logarithms. y = ln(6x) Alarm bells should start ringing whenever a question asks you to differentiate an equation and there is a function inside a function. In this case, the chain rule should be used. Usually here I would say write down the chain rule formula, however often this can make things more confusing. For clarity though, the formula is: dy/dx = (du/dx)*(dy/du) To begin working this out, let: u = 6x     y = ln(u)    <------ rewrite y in terms of u here, usually u is whatever is in the bracket! Next, differentiate both of these: du/dx = 6  dy/du = 1/u  <------ this is the standard differentation of a natural log (I can prove this on request!) Now, use the chain rule formula to find dy/dx, or if you're like me and get more confused using this, then just remember to multiply both the derivatives together that you've just calculated! So: dy/dx = 6/u This is not in terms of x like the original equation is, so we need to replace u with 6x: dy/dx = 6/6x = 1/x 

EM
Answered by Eleanor M. Maths tutor

12277 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

A curve C has equation y = x^2 − 2x − 24 x^(1/2), x > 0 (a) Find (i) dy/d x (ii) d^2y/dx^2 (b) Verify that C has a stationary point when x = 4 (c) Determine the nature of this stationary point, giving a reason for your answer.


Solve the simultaneous equations y+4x+1 = 0 and y^2+5x^2+2x = 0


What is integration by parts?


A curve has the equation: x^3 - x - y^3 - 20 = 0. Find dy/dx in terms of x and y.


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