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

TH
Answered by Toby H. Maths tutor

4186 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Find the derivative for y=5x^3-2x^2+7x-15


f(x)=x^3 + x^2 -10x +8 show that (x-1) is a factor of f(x), Factorise f(x) fully , sketch the graph of f(x)


You're on a game show and have a choice of three boxes, in one box is £10, 000 in the other two are nothing. You pick one box, the host then opens one of the other boxes showing it's empty, should you stick or switch?


Find the derivative of f(x) = 2xe^x


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