Differentiate y=(4x - 5)^5 by using the chain rule.

Notation: I use the ^ in the title question to indicated 'to the power of' and I use an asterisk * (or star) to indicate 'multiplied by' in the answer, to avoid confusion with the x term! 

Step 1) let u = 4x - 5      therefore y = u5

Step 2) du/dx = 4           dy/du = 5u4

Step 3) (the chain rule!)  dy/dx = dy/du * du/dx

so dy/dx = 5u4 * 4

     dy/dx = 20u4 

     dy/dx = 20(4x - 5)4 as we substitute for the u term to complete our answer! 

JE
Answered by Joseph E. Maths tutor

13072 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why is the derivative of a function its gradient?


Find a solution to sec^(2)(x)+2tan(x) = 0


Differentiate the equation y = (2x+5)^2 using the chain rule to determine the x coordinate of a stationary point on the curve.


When finding the turning points of a curve, how can I tell if it is a maximum, minimum or a point of inflection?


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning