How to Solve Derivatives Using the Chain Rule

Description

This video provides an example problem of the chain rule used with several other rules of calculus. Steps are organized in an easy-to-follow manner.

Overview

The chain rule is a rule in calculus that can be used to solve derivatives. It is not a complicated rule, but can still be very confuding when first learning it. The chain rule states that:

d/dx [f(n)] = f’(n) * n’

In other words, the derivative of the outside of the equation is done, leaving the inside intact. Then the derivative of the inside is multiplied to it. The chain rule is used every time sine, cosine, tangent, cosecant, cotangent, and secant are in a problem, and normally when a logarithm (or natural log) is involved. It is sometimes easier to split a problem into two seperate parts before solving.

Example: sin(2x) –> d/dx [sin(x)] = cos(x), d/dx (2x) = 2

Therefore: d/dx sin(2x) = cos(2x) * 2

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