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Solve Problems Using The Chain Rule

This document provides an overview of the chain rule, a fundamental derivative rule in calculus. It explains what a composite function is, gives the chain rule formula, and provides step-by-step examples of applying the chain rule to differentiate various types of functions including polynomials, trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic and root functions. The document emphasizes correctly identifying the inner and outer functions and avoiding common mistakes when using the chain rule.

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Dan Moneva
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47 views11 pages

Solve Problems Using The Chain Rule

This document provides an overview of the chain rule, a fundamental derivative rule in calculus. It explains what a composite function is, gives the chain rule formula, and provides step-by-step examples of applying the chain rule to differentiate various types of functions including polynomials, trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic and root functions. The document emphasizes correctly identifying the inner and outer functions and avoiding common mistakes when using the chain rule.

Uploaded by

Dan Moneva
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Solving Problems with the

Chain Rule
Introduction to the
Chain Rule
● The Chain Rule is a fundamental
derivative rule in calculus.
● It is used to find the derivative of
composite functions.
● A composite function is a function made
up of two or more functions, such as
f(g(x)).
● The Chain Rule formula: (f(g(x)))' = f'(g(x))
* g'(x).
● Why is it important? It allows us to
differentiate complex equations that are
functions of other functions.
Understanding
Composite Functions
● A composite function combines two
functions into one.
● If we have two functions, f(x) and g(x), the
composite function is written as f(g(x)).
● For example, if f(x) = x^2 and g(x) = 3x +
2, then f(g(x)) = (3x + 2)^2.
● Can you think of a real-life example of a
composite function?
Applying the Chain Rule - Step by Step
● Identify the outer function (f) and the inner function (g).
● Differentiate the outer function with respect to the inner function
(f'(g(x))).
● Differentiate the inner function with respect to x (g'(x)).
● Multiply the derivatives to get the final result.
● Let's apply this to f(g(x)) = (3x + 2)^2. What are f and g in this
case?
Example 1: Differentiating
a Polynomial

● Let's differentiate h(x) = (5x^3 - 4x + 1)^4.


● Outer function f(u) = u^4, inner function
g(x) = 5x^3 - 4x + 1.
● Differentiate f(u) with respect to u: f'(u) =
4u^3.
● Differentiate g(x) with respect to x: g'(x) =
15x^2 - 4.
● Multiply f'(g(x)) by g'(x) to get the
derivative of h(x). What do you get?
Example 2: Differentiating
a Trigonometric Function

● Consider the function j(x) = sin(2x^2).


● Outer function f(u) = sin(u), inner function
g(x) = 2x^2.
● Differentiate f(u) with respect to u: f'(u) =
cos(u).
● Differentiate g(x) with respect to x: g'(x) =
4x.
● Multiply f'(g(x)) by g'(x). Can you calculate
the derivative of j(x)?
Chain Rule with Exponential Functions

● Examine k(x) = e^(3x+4).


● Outer function f(u) = e^u, inner function g(x) = 3x + 4.
● Differentiate f(u) with respect to u: f'(u) = e^u.
● Differentiate g(x) with respect to x: g'(x) = 3.
● Multiply f'(g(x)) by g'(x) for the derivative of k(x). What is the
result?
Practicing the Chain Rule
with Roots

● Let's differentiate m(x) = √(1 + x^2).


● Outer function f(u) = √u, inner function
g(x) = 1 + x^2.
● Differentiate f(u) with respect to u: f'(u) =
1/(2√u).
● Differentiate g(x) with respect to x: g'(x) =
2x.
● Multiply f'(g(x)) by g'(x). Try to find the
derivative of m(x).
Chain Rule with
Logarithmic Functions

● Consider n(x) = ln(x^2 + 1).


● Outer function f(u) = ln(u), inner function
g(x) = x^2 + 1.
● Differentiate f(u) with respect to u: f'(u) =
1/u.
● Differentiate g(x) with respect to x: g'(x) =
2x.
● Multiply f'(g(x)) by g'(x) for the derivative
of n(x). What steps will you take?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
● Not correctly identifying the outer and inner functions.
● Forgetting to multiply the derivatives of the outer and inner
functions.
● Overlooking the need to simplify the final expression.
● Remember, practice makes perfect! How can you ensure
accuracy when applying the Chain Rule?
Conclusion and Recap
● The Chain Rule is essential for differentiating composite functions.
● Always identify the outer and inner functions before proceeding.
● Multiply the derivative of the outer function by the derivative of the inner
function.
● Practice with various functions to master the Chain Rule.
● What will you do to become more confident in using the Chain Rule?

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