When performing differentiation in core 3, in what circumstances do I apply the chain, product and quotient rule?

You must apply the chain rule whenever you see a function contained within another function. For example, if you were to differentiate (sin x) you would apply the chain rule as the sin function exists inside the brackets. You would apply the product rule whenever you differentiate something which consists of two functions multiplied together, eg... x2ex would require use of the product rule as the function x2 is multiplied by ex. Finally, the quotient rule would be applied in the case where you need to differentiate a function in which one function is divided by another function, eg... 4x2/cos x would be diferentiated using the chain rule as 4x2 is being divided by cos x.

JS
Answered by James S. Maths tutor

3066 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Find the derivative of the following function with respect to x. y = 5e^x−2xsin(x)


Integrate the following function by parts and reduce it to it's simplest form. f(x) = ln(x).


How do you integrate ln(x) with respect to x?


A fair die has six faces numbered 1, 1, 1, 2, 2, and 3. The die is rolled twice and the number showing on the uppermost face is recorded. Find the probability that the sum of the two numbers is at least three.


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