- #1
Incog
- 17
- 0
Homework Statement
A: Write f(x) = [tex]\sqrt{5-x^{2}}[/tex] as a composite of two functions.
B: Use the Chain Rule to find the derivative of f(x) = [tex]\sqrt{5-x^{2}}[/tex]
Homework Equations
Chain Rule:
y`= [tex]\frac{dy}{du}[/tex] [tex]\frac{du}{dx}[/tex]
The Attempt at a Solution
A:
y = [tex]\sqrt{u}[/tex]
u = 5 - x[tex]^{2}[/tex]
B:
This is where I get confused. I don't understand what's meant by "d" and what's meant by "y", "u", and "x".
I know the two du's cancel out in the Chain Rule so you're left with:
y`= (dy)(dx)
Does this mean the derivative of y times the derivative of x? And if so, how do you know what y and x are?