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
Answered by Sam V. Maths tutor

2903 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Differentiate y=e^(x)*sin(x) with respect to x


How do you find the distance a ball travels if fired at speed u and angle theta from the ground?


A particle A of mass 0.1kg is moving at a speed of 1.5m/s to the right. It collides with a particle B of mass 0.3kg moving at a speed of 1.1m/s to the right. Calculate change in momentum of particle A if particle B has a speed of 1.4m/s after collision.


How to express (4x)/(x^2-9)-2/(x+3)as a single fraction in its simplest form.


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