Explain the chain rule of differentiation
The chain rule can be used to find more complex derivatives.For example, in the case of: y = (5x + 2)5To find the derivative in the ordinary fashion, one would need to expand the brackets to:y=3125x5+6250x4+5000x3+2000x2+400x+32If you persevere to this point the risk of human error is huge, so clearly an easier method is needed.Enter the chain rule:dy/dx = dy/du * du/dxOne sets u = 5x + 2Now y = u5 and u = 5x + 2Differentiate y wrt u:dy/du = 5u4Differentiate u wrt x:du/dx = 5 Substitute u into dy/dudy/du = 5(5x+2)4Recall that dy/dx = dy/du * du/dx:dy/dx = 5 * 5(5x+2)4dy/dx = 25(5x+2)4The chain rule can be expanded with as many terms as possible, and this is useful when considering real life rates of change:dy/dx = dy/du1 * du1/du2 * du2/du3 * ... * dun-1/dun * dun/dx
Related Maths A Level answers
All answers ▸Differentiate y = 4exp(6x) + cos(x) + 6x
Let f(x) and g(x) be two odd functions defined for all real values of x. Given that s(x)=f(x)+g(x), prove that s(x) is also an odd function.
How do I integrate ln(x)?
The function f (x) is defined by f (x) = (1-x)/(1+x), x not equal to -1. Show that f(f (x)) = x. Hence write down f ^-1 (x).