Explain the Chain Rule

The chain rule is used to differentiate composite functions, ie "a function of a function". In this case we have an outer function and an inner function. For example

Differentiate f(g(x)). Here f is the outer function and g the inner. 

The derivative of this function is found by differentiating the outer function and evaluating its derivative at the point g(x) and then multiplying by the derivative of g(x):

f(g(x))' = f'(g(x))g'(x)

AC

Related Maths A Level answers

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A curve has equation y=2x^3. Find dy/dx.


How does integration by parts work?


Fnd ∫x^2e^x


differentiate: y=[xcos(x^3)]/[(x^4 + 1)^3] with respect to x