Why does the chain rule work?

One of the best ways to view dy/dx is as a fraction. When we have y=f(g(x)), we need to make a substitution u=g(x) to find dy/dx. This leaves us y=f(u) and u=g(x). Differentiating said terms leaves us with dy/du=f’(u) and du/dx = g’(x).But why does this help us? We’ve just made this more complicated by adding a new variable right? Well, that’s actually not true. If we multiply our two differentiated terms, you should be able to spot that the du terms cancel out (fraction cancellation), and thus we’re left with dy/dx. Then we sub back in our u=g(x). So dy/dx = f’(g(x))g’(x).

SV

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

If a ball is dropped from 6m above the ground, how long does it take to hit the floor and what is its speed at impact (assuming air resistance is negligible)?


The points A and B have coordinates (3, 4) and (7, 6) respectively. The straight line l passes through A and is perpendicular to AB. Find an equation for l, giving your answer in the form ax + by + c = 0, where a, b and c are integers.


How do I find the stationary points of a curve?


How can I determine the stationary points of a curve and their nature?