Basic Calculus

Quarter 3 – Module 10:

Chain Rule
 What I Need to Know
What’s More
One of the main reasons why this module was created is to ensure that it will assist Find the derivative of the following functions. Write your answer on a separate sheet
you to understand the concept and know how to use the chain rule on differentiating of paper.
certain functions.
1. 𝑦 = (3𝑥 − 1)25
When you finish this module, you will be able to: 2.
1. illustrate Chain Rule of Differentiation (STEM_BC11DIIIh-2); and
𝑓(𝑥) = √𝑥 − 1
2. solve problems involving Chain Rule of Differentiation (STEM_BC11DIIIh-i-1).
3. 𝑦 = cos(5𝑥 )
What I Have Learned
Express what you have learned in the lesson by answering the questions below. Write
your answer on a separate sheet of paper.
1. On what instance does the Chain Rule of differentiation applicable? Explain
briefly.
2. How does the Chain Rule help you solve the derivatives of composite functions?
Elaborate your answer.
1 10
 Now that the derivatives of both functions 𝑦 ′ = [(3𝑥)(2𝑥 + 2)] + [(𝑥 + 1)2 (3)]
are complete, the product rule can be
applied. Perform the indicated operation, 𝑦 ′ = 6𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + (𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 1)(3)
combine like terms and simplify.
What I Know
𝑦 ′ = 6𝑥 2 +6𝑥 + 3𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 3

Determine the derivative of the following functions. Write the letter of the correct
answer on a separate sheet of paper. (Use calculator whenever necessary).
′ 2
Follow the simplification process to get the 𝑦 = 9𝑥 + 12𝑥 + 3 1. 𝑦 = 𝑥 4
answer. A. 4𝑥 C. 4𝑥 3
The derivative of 𝑦 = 3𝑥(𝑥 + 1)2 is equal to 9𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 + 3 . B. 4𝑥 2 D. 4𝑥 2 + 1

Example 5
2. 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 + 1
Solve for the derivative of 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)) = (2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 5)7
A. 3𝑥 2 + 2 C. 3𝑥 + 1
Solution and steps are shown in the table below. B. 3𝑥 3 D. 3𝑥 2

Explanation Computation
3. 𝑦 = 𝑥 1⁄2
Since there is no direct differentiation Let 𝑢 = 2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 5 1 1
rule applicable, the equation inside the A. C.
𝑥 1⁄2 2𝑥 1⁄2
parenthesis was represented into single 𝑓 (𝑢 ) = (𝑢 ) 7 B.
2
D.
2
variable 𝑢 resulting into a simpler 𝑥 1⁄2 2𝑥 1⁄2
equation raised to an exponent. This
equation is the outside function. 4. 𝑦 = sin(2𝑥)
On the other hand, the actual equation 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 5 A. 2 sin(2𝑥) C. 2 sin(𝑥)
inside the parenthesis is the inside B. 2cos(2𝑥) D. 2 cos(𝑥)
function.
Application of chain rule: Derivative of
5. 𝑦 = cos(3𝑥)
the outside function multiplied by the 𝑓′(𝑔(𝑥 )) = 7(𝑢)7−1 ∙ (4𝑥 + 3)
derivative of the inside function, A. −3 sin(3𝑥) C. −3 sin(𝑥)
𝑑 𝑛 B. 3 sin(3𝑥) D. 3 sin(𝑥)
[𝑢 ] = 𝑛(𝑢)𝑛−1 ∙ 𝑢′
𝑑𝑥
𝑓′(𝑔(𝑥 )) = 7(4𝑥 + 3)(𝑢)6 6. 𝑦 = (3𝑥 + 5)5
Simplify the terms that needs to be A. 15(3𝑥 + 5)4 C. −5(3𝑥 + 5)4
simplified.
B. 5(3𝑥 + 5)4 D. −15(3𝑥 + 5)4
Return the original equation 𝒙 + 𝟒 and 𝑓′(𝑔(𝑥 )) = (28𝑥 + 21)(2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 5)6
substitute to the variable 𝒖 to get the
answer. 7. 𝑦 = (𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 7)6
A. (12𝑥 − 6)(𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 7)5 C. (12𝑥 − 6)(𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 7)5
The derivative of 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)) = (2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 5)7 is equal to (28𝑥 + 21)(2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 5)6 .
B. (12𝑥 + 6)(𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 7)5 D. (12𝑥 + 6)(𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 7)5

8. 𝑦 = √(𝑥 2 + 3)
1 1
A. C.
2(𝑥 2 +3)1⁄2 (𝑥 2 +3)1⁄2
𝑥 𝑥
B. (𝑥 2 +3)1⁄2
D.
2(𝑥 2 +3)1⁄2

9 2
9. 𝑦 = tan(3𝑥 2 − 4) 𝑑 𝑛
[𝑢 ] = 𝑛(𝑢)𝑛−1 ∙ 𝑢′
A. 6𝑥csc 2 (3𝑥 2 − 4) C. 3𝑥csc 2 (3𝑥 2 − 4) 𝑑𝑥 𝑦′ = [cos(𝑢)] ∙ (3)
B. 6𝑥sec 2 (3𝑥 2 − 4) D. 3𝑥sec 2 (3𝑥 2 − 4) (Note: 𝒚′ is the symbol for the derivative
It is proper to put the constant in front
of 𝒚.)
10. 𝑦 = (2𝑥)(𝑥 + 1)2
the answer.

of the function and return the original 𝑦′ = 3cos(3𝑥 )

equation 𝟑𝒙 in place of variable 𝒖 to get
A. 4𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 + 2 C. 4𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 − 2
B. 6𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 + 2 D. 6𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 + 2
Example 4
The derivative of 𝑦 = sin(3𝑥) is equal to 3cos(3𝑥).
Match the corresponding Column B derivatives to its Column A functions. Write the
letter of the correct answer on a separate sheet of paper. (Use calculator whenever
necessary). The table below will show the steps and solution that you need to find out the
Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 3𝑥(𝑥 + 1)2 .
answer for the equation provided.
Explanation Computation
Column A Column B For this item, the product rule best suited
the situation.
Recall:
11. 𝑦 = (4𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 2)3 A. −12 sin(4𝑥 − 5)
12. 𝑦 = 3cos (4𝑥 − 5) B. 12𝑥 2 + 24𝑥 + 9 𝑑
[𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥)]
𝑑𝑥 ℎ(𝑥 ) = 3𝑥
13. 𝑦 = √6𝑥 − 3 C. (24𝑥 − 9)(4𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 2)2 𝑑
= 𝑓(𝑥) ∙ [𝑔(𝑥)] + 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑑𝑥
14. 𝑦 = 𝑥(2𝑥 + 3)2 D. 4𝑥cos(2𝑥 2 − 3) 𝑑 𝑗(𝑥 ) = (𝑥 + 1)2
E.
∙ [𝑓(𝑥)]
Represent the first function as

𝑑𝑥
15. 𝑦 = sin(2𝑥 2 − 3) 3
(6𝑥−3)1⁄2
ℎ(𝑥) = 3𝑥 and the second function as
Product Rule Application: Derivative of the first function
𝑗(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 1)2 .
derivative of the second function. Then,
Take the first function multiplied by the ℎ′(𝑥) = 3(1)(𝑥)1−1
and the derivative of the first function.
add to the product of the second function ℎ′(𝑥) = 3
In solving for the derivative of second
function, 𝑗(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 1)2
To get the derivatives of both functions, the
Let, 𝑢 = 𝑥 + 1
taking the derivative of the first function
constant multiple rule can be applied in 𝑓(𝑢) = (𝑢)2
derivative of the second function.
while chain rule can be used in taking the 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 1
𝑓′(𝑔(𝑥)) = 2(𝑢)2−1 ∙ (1)
𝑓′(𝑔(𝑥)) = 2(𝑥 + 1)
𝑓 ′ (𝑔(𝑥)) = 2𝑥 + 2
𝑗 ′ (𝑥) = 𝑓 ′ (𝑔(𝑥)) = 2𝑥 + 2
3 8
Example 2
Differentiate 𝒚 = √𝒙 − 𝟑 .
Lesson
The table below will show the steps and solution that will give you your desired The Chain Rule: Derivative
1
answer.

Explanation Computation of Composite Function

Again, there is no direct differentiation Let 𝑢 = 𝑥 − 3
rule applicable on this item. Therefore,
the equation inside the parenthesis was 𝑓 (𝑢) = 𝑢
√ The bicycle’s chain plays an important accessory of its two-wheel mechanism. It links
represented into single variable 𝒖
resulting into a simpler equation raised the large and small sprocket to help it move to further distance. On this lesson, a
( ) 1⁄ 2
to an exponent. This equation is the 𝑓 𝑢 = 𝑢 complex situation can be solved through a certain process called Chain Rule of
outside function. Differentiation. As you go on with this module, this process will be presented to you
On the other hand, the actual equation 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 𝑥 − 3 in a simple and clear manner.
inside the parenthesis is the inside
function.
Application of chain rule: derivative of 1 1
−1
the outside function multiplied by the 𝑓′(𝑔(𝑥 )) = 2 (𝑢)2 ∙ (1)
1
What’s In
derivative of the inside function, 1
𝑑 𝑛 𝑓′(𝑔(𝑥 )) = (𝑢)−2
[𝑢 ] = 𝑛(𝑢)𝑛−1 ∙ 𝑢′ 2
𝑑𝑥
To make the exponent positive, by 𝑓′(𝑔(𝑥 )) = 1
applying laws of exponent, simply bring 2(𝑢)1⁄2 Find the derivative of the following items below by making use of the Power Rule of
down its base and exponent on its
differentiation. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.
denominator.
Return the original equation 𝒙 − 𝟑 and ′
1 1. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3
substitute to the variable 𝒖 to get the 𝑦 = 𝑓′(𝑔(𝑥 )) = 2(𝑥 − 3)1⁄2
answer.

𝟏 2. 𝑦 = 𝑥 10
The derivative of 𝒚 = √𝒙 − 𝟑 is equal to .
𝟐(𝒙−𝟑)𝟏⁄𝟐

Example 3
3. 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥 275
Evaluate the derivative of 𝑦 = sin(3𝑥) .
Using the table below, it will show you the steps and solution that you need in order
to get the final answer on the equation given above. 4. 𝑦 = 𝑥 500
Explanation Computation
The equation inside the parenthesis was
represented into single variable 𝒖 Let 𝑢 = 3𝑥 5. 𝑓 (𝑥) = 𝑥 −10
resulting into much simpler equation.
This equation is the outside function. 𝑦 = sin(𝑢)
(Recall that (𝑥) = 𝑦 .)

On the other hand, the actual equation

inside the parenthesis is the inside 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 3𝑥
function.
Application of chain rule: derivative of 𝑦′ = [cos(𝑢 )] ∙ [3(1)𝑥 1−1 ]
the outside function multiplied by the
derivative of the inside function,

7 4
 What’s New What is It
item is shown below.
• Chain Rule is the process of differentiating a composite function.
Consider differentiating the function, 𝒚 = (𝟐𝒙 + 𝟐)𝟐. The process in solving such given
Explanation Computation Recall: Composite functions are two functions combined to make a single one. For
multiply both terms.

The function can be written in another 𝑦 = (2𝑥 + 2)(2𝑥 + 2)

example, the combination of functions 𝑓 and 𝑔:
Note: To apply the Chain Rule on composite functions, you must take the derivative

form. FOIL method was applied to 𝑦 = 4𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 4𝑥 + 4

Like terms were simplified.
(𝑓 𝑜 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥 ))
of its outside function and then multiply it to the derivative of its inside function.
𝑦 = 4𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 + 4
In symbols,
rules per term (constant multiple rule Remember:
and constant rule).

Application of different differentiation 𝑦 ′ = 4(2)(𝑥)2−1 + 8(1)𝑥 1−1 + 0

Show the simplified result
𝑑 𝑛
[𝑢 ] = 𝑛(𝑢)𝑛−1 ∙ 𝑢′
differentiation rule application.

𝑑
after 𝑦′ = 8𝑥 + 8
[𝑓(𝑔 (𝑥))] = 𝑓′(𝑔(𝑥)) ∙ 𝑔′ (𝑥) 𝑑𝑥
Derivative of Derivative of

𝑑𝑥
The method presented above is one way of getting the derivative of a function. What the outside the inside
function function
derivative? Obviously, it is time consuming, due to the exponent 10. Problem arises Example 1

if you are given a function like 𝑦 = (2𝑥 + 2)10 , is it still convenient to take its
from this kind of functions when their exponent is raised to a fractional or higher
power. To fix such concern, you must understand and practice this lesson to help
Below are the steps and solutions to get the answer for the equation given above.
Solve for the derivative of 𝒇(𝒈(𝒙)) = (𝒙 + 𝟒)𝟓 .
you solve complex functions like the ones mentioned above.
Explanation Computation
Therefore, if there is a function inside a parenthesis raised to a power, the Chain rule Since there is no direct differentiation
rule applicable, the equation inside the
can be used to get the derivative of that certain function. parenthesis was represented into single
Let 𝑢 = 𝑥 + 4
equation raised to an exponent. This
equation is the outside function.

variable 𝒖 resulting into a simpler 𝑓 (𝑢) = (𝑢)5

On the other hand, the actual equation
function.
Application of chain rule: derivative of

inside the parenthesis is the inside 𝑔(𝑥 ) = 𝑥 + 4

the outside function multiplied by the
derivative of the inside function,
𝑓′(𝑔(𝑥 )) = 5(𝑢)5−1 ∙ (1)
4
𝑑 𝑛 𝑓′(𝑔(𝑥 )) = 5(𝑢)
[𝑢 ] = 𝑛(𝑢)𝑛−1 ∙ 𝑢′
𝑑𝑥
Return the original equation 𝒙 + 𝟒 and
answer.
substitute to the variable 𝒖 to get the 𝑓′(𝑔(𝑥 )) = 5(𝑥 + 4)4
The derivative of 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)) = (𝑥 + 4)5 is equal to 5(𝑥 + 4)4 .
5 6