Differentiation by the chain rule

In summary, to find the derivative of Y= x^3(5x-1)^4, you need to apply the product rule and the chain rule. The derivative of g(x) = (5x-1)^4 can be found by using the chain rule with P(x) = x^4 and L(x) = 5x-1. The derivative of f(x) = x^3 can be found by simply using the power rule. Once you have the derivatives of f and g, you can use the product rule to find the derivative of Y.
  • #1
jtt
16
0

Homework Statement


Find the derivative of the following:


Homework Equations


Y= x^3(5x-1)^4


The Attempt at a Solution


4(3x^2(5x-1)^3)(4(3x^2(3(5x-1)^2)(2(5x-1)(5)
 
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  • #2
That doesn't look like the chain rule to me. Apply the product rule first.
 
  • #3
i tried bringing down the 4Th exponent and then subtract it by one to get three, then leaving the inside alone ( 5x-1) at the same time taking the derivative of 3x^2. after that i got confused and got a wrong answer.
 
  • #4
[itex] y = f(x)g(x)[/itex] where [itex]f(x)= x^3[/itex] and [itex]g(x)=(5x-1)^4[/itex]
So you'll first need to apply the product rule... as you do you'll need the derivative of g.

[itex] g(x) = P\circ L (x) = P( L(x))[/itex] where [itex] P(x) = x^4[/itex] and [itex] L(x)=5x - 1[/itex]. As a composition you need to apply the chain rule. (P for power, L for linear).

If you'd rather use the Leibniz notation form of the chain rule: [itex]\frac{du}{dx} = \frac{du}{dv} \frac{dv}{dx}[/itex] then let u=g(x) = P(v) with v = L(x).
 
  • #5
Your function is f*g where f=x^3 and g=(5x-1)^4, right? The product rule says the derivative of f*g is f'*g+f*g', also right? Now you just need to find f' and g'. Finding the derivative of g' is where you need the chain rule.
 

What is differentiation by the chain rule?

Differentiation by the chain rule is a method used in calculus to find the derivative of a composite function, where one function is inside another. It allows you to find the rate of change of one quantity with respect to another quantity.

How do you use the chain rule to differentiate a composite function?

To use the chain rule, you must first identify the inner function and the outer function. Then, you take the derivative of the outer function and multiply it by the derivative of the inner function. This will give you the derivative of the composite function.

Why is the chain rule important?

The chain rule is important because it allows us to find the derivative of more complex functions that cannot be easily differentiated using basic rules. It is a fundamental tool in calculus and is used in many real-world applications.

What are some common mistakes when using the chain rule?

One common mistake when using the chain rule is forgetting to take the derivative of the inner function. Another mistake is not properly distributing the derivative of the outer function to the entire inner function. It is important to pay attention to the order of operations and to carefully apply the rule.

Can the chain rule be used for higher order derivatives?

Yes, the chain rule can be used to find higher order derivatives. To find the second derivative, you would first find the first derivative using the chain rule, and then apply the chain rule again to find the second derivative. This process can be continued for any desired order of the derivative.

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