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

13060 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

I can differentiate exponentials (e^x), but how can I differentiate ln(x)?


Two masses A and B, 2kg and 4kg respectively, are connected by a light inextensible string and passed over a smooth pulley. The system is held at rest, then released. Find the acceleration of the system and hence, find the tension in the string.


Use logarithms to solve the equation 2^5x = 3^2x+1 , giving the answer correct to 3 significant figures.


how to write down the differential equation from a word problem, involving rate of change.


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