What is the Chain Rule and How Does it Apply to Tangent Functions?

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In summary, the conversation discussed the chain rule in calculus, which states that if f(x)=f(u(x)), then the derivative of f(x) is equal to the derivative of u(x) multiplied by the derivative of x. Examples were given to demonstrate the application of the chain rule, including a function with a given derivative and a function that needed to be factorized. The conversation also mentioned implicit differentiation and how to evaluate the derivative of a composite function.
  • #1
Roxy
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I was trying it but i got stuck.

http://img56.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img56&image=scan7xv.jpg

http://img28.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img28&image=scan30fn.jpg
 
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  • #2
chain rule states that if [itex]f(x)=f(u(x))[/itex] then

[tex]\frac{df}{dx}=\frac{df}{du}\frac{du}{dx}[/tex]

as examples, first one

[tex]f(x)=\frac{7}{(4x^3-6x^2)^3}[/tex]

[tex]u(x)=4x^3-6x^2[/tex]

[tex]f(u)=\frac{7}{u^3}[/tex]

given that

[tex]\frac{df}{du}=-\frac{21}{u^4}[/tex]

and

[tex]\frac{du}{dx}=12x^2-12x[/tex]

then chain rule states

[tex]\frac{df}{dx}=\frac{df}{du}\frac{du}{dx}=-\frac{21}{u^4}(12x^2-12x)[/tex]

substituting [itex]u[/itex]

[tex]\frac{df}{dx}=-\frac{252}{(4x^3-6x^2)^4}(x^2-x)[/tex]

in the next one, you are almost there... all you have to do is factorize [itex](6x^2-5)^4(2x-1)^3[/itex]

the third one you can do it by calculating [itex]y=y(x)[/itex] and [itex]x=x(y)[/itex] and then differentiate ie

[tex]y(x)=\frac{x}{4}(3 \pm \sqrt{5})[/tex]

or by implicit differentiation.

The next one you already have it, the only thing you need to do is evaluate [itex]y'(2)[/itex] and [itex]y'(3)[/itex] then use the fact that
[tex]m=\frac{f'(3)-f'(2)}{3-2}[/tex]

in the last two you use the fact that [itex](f\circ g)(x)=g(f(x))[/itex] be carefull tough, you are doing it wrong in the last one (watch the root).
 
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  • #3
Thaaaaank you

Thaaaaank you :biggrin:
 

FAQ: What is the Chain Rule and How Does it Apply to Tangent Functions?

What is the chain rule in calculus?

The chain rule is a formula used to find the derivative of a composite function. It states that the derivative of a composite function is equal to the derivative of the outer function evaluated at the inner function, multiplied by the derivative of the inner function.

Why is the chain rule important?

The chain rule is important because it allows us to find the derivative of complex functions by breaking them down into simpler parts. It is also essential for solving problems in fields such as physics, engineering, and economics.

How do you apply the chain rule?

To apply the chain rule, you need to identify the outer function and the inner function of the composite function. Then, take the derivative of the outer function and multiply it by the derivative of the inner function. Finally, substitute the inner function back into the equation.

Can you give an example of using the chain rule?

Sure, let's say we have the function f(x) = (2x^2 + 3)^4. The outer function is ( )^4 and the inner function is 2x^2 + 3. To find the derivative, we first take the derivative of the outer function, which is 4(2x^2 + 3)^3. Then, we multiply it by the derivative of the inner function, which is 4x. The final derivative is 4x(2x^2 + 3)^3.

Is the chain rule the same as the product rule?

No, the chain rule and the product rule are different formulas used to find derivatives. The product rule is used to find the derivative of a product of two functions, while the chain rule is used to find the derivative of a composite function.

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