Chain Rule

Definition

The chain rule is a fundamental technique in calculus for finding the derivative of a composite function. It allows you to differentiate functions that are built up by combining multiple functions, by breaking down the composite function into its individual components.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The chain rule is used to find the derivative of a composite function, where the inner function is differentiated first, and then the result is multiplied by the derivative of the outer function.
2. The chain rule is particularly useful when dealing with functions that are built up from multiple layers of functions, such as $f(g(h(x)))$.
3. The chain rule can be extended to functions with multiple variables, where the partial derivatives of the inner and outer functions are used.
4. Understanding the chain rule is crucial for solving a wide range of problems in calculus, including optimization, related rates, and implicit differentiation.
5. Applying the chain rule correctly requires careful attention to the order of operations and the appropriate use of the product rule and the power rule.

Review Questions

• Explain the process of using the chain rule to differentiate a composite function.
  • To use the chain rule to differentiate a composite function $f(g(x))$, follow these steps: 1. Identify the inner function $g(x)$ and the outer function $f(g(x))$. 2. Find the derivative of the inner function $g'(x)$. 3. Find the derivative of the outer function $f'(g(x))$. 4. Multiply the two derivatives together: $f'(g(x)) \cdot g'(x)$. This gives you the derivative of the composite function $f(g(x))$ using the chain rule.
• Describe how the chain rule can be extended to functions with multiple variables.
  • The chain rule can be extended to functions with multiple variables, such as $f(g(x,y),h(x,y))$. In this case, the partial derivatives of the inner functions $g(x,y)$ and $h(x,y)$ are used, along with the partial derivative of the outer function $f(g,h)$. The chain rule formula becomes: $$\frac{\partial f}{\partial x} = \frac{\partial f}{\partial g} \frac{\partial g}{\partial x} + \frac{\partial f}{\partial h} \frac{\partial h}{\partial x}$$ and similarly for the partial derivative with respect to $y$. This allows for the differentiation of complex multi-variable functions using the chain rule.
• Analyze how the chain rule is used in optimization problems and related rates problems in calculus.
  • The chain rule is a crucial tool for solving optimization problems and related rates problems in calculus. In optimization problems, where the goal is to find the maximum or minimum value of a function, the chain rule is used to differentiate the objective function and set the derivative equal to zero to find the critical points. In related rates problems, where the goal is to find the rate of change of one quantity given the rates of change of other quantities, the chain rule is used to set up the appropriate derivative relationships between the variables. By applying the chain rule correctly, you can differentiate complex functions and solve a wide range of optimization and related rates problems in calculus.

Related terms

Composite Function: A composite function is a function that is formed by combining two or more functions, where the output of one function becomes the input of the next function.

Derivative: The derivative of a function represents the rate of change of the function at a particular point, and is a fundamental concept in calculus.

Function Composition: Function composition is the process of combining two or more functions to create a new function, where the output of one function becomes the input of the next function.