zachary

mastering the chain rule

for the ap calculus exam, whether it’s calculus ab or calculus bc, being completely fluent in taking the derivative of almost any function is imperative.  we should know how to use all the most common methods for taking the derive well enough that we don’t have to think about it on the exam itself.  the last thing we want to get caught up in on the exam is forgetting one of our derivative taking methods, such as the chain rule.

at minimum, you should know how to use:

  • the power rule
  • the chain rule
  • the product rule
  • the quotient rule

the chain rule is one of the most important rules in this list because many function cans be thought of as functions of functions (of functions of functions).

what is the chain rule and when do we use it?

 

the chain rule is used when we have a function which is of the form f(x) = g(h(x)).

for example:

chain rule

our function f(x) is made up of two smaller functions.  you can think of f(x) = g(h(x)), where h(x) = x2 and g(x) = sin(x).  we can find the derivative of each of these functions individually.  the chain rule allows us to take the derivative of the entire thing.

the chain rule

 an algebraic formula

in our above example, f(x) = sin(x2).   h(x) = x2 , h’(x) = 2x, g(x) = sin(x), and g’(x) = cos(x).  the derivative of h(x) can be solved with the power rule, and the derivative of g(x) is a common derivative.  you can find a list of common derivatives as well as explanations of the other derivative rules in our review of derivative rules.

an algebraic function formula

the difficulty in using the chain rule:

implementing the chain rule is usually not difficult.  the problem that many students have trouble with is trying to figure out which parts of the function are within other functions (i.e., in the above example, which part if g(x) and which part is h(x).
this is going to be a rule which is very important to practice with over and over again.

a handful of example problems

here is a list of example problems of varying difficulties.  you do not need a calculator to answer any of these questions.  you’ll find the solutions below.

chain rule practice problems

solutions and explanations to example problems

 

 1.an algebraic function problem equation

solution:

an algebraic function solution
 

2.an algebraic function problem equation

solution:

an algebraic function solution
 

3. an algebraic function problem equation

solution:

an algebraic function solution
 

4. an algebraic function problem equation

this one is thrown in purposely, even though it is not a chain rule problem.  many students get confused between when to use the chain rule (when you have a function of a function), and when to use the product rule (when you have a function multiplied by a function).

solution:

an algebraic function solution

(this can be reduced to cos(2x) if you know your trig identities.)

 

5. an algebraic function problem equation

we can also use the chain rule in combination with the other rules.

solution:

an algebraic function solution
 

6. an algebraic function problem equation

solution:

an algebraic function solution
 

7. an algebraic function problem equation

again, we can use chain rule in combination with other rules.

solution:

an algebraic function solution
 

8. an algebraic function problem equation

we can use the chain rule multiple times in a row as well.

solution:

an algebraic function solution

 

9. an algebraic function problem equation

solution:

an algebraic function solution
 

10. an algebraic function problem equation

solution:

f'(x) = 5(x + 2)4

 

11. f(x) = (x + 2)2

solution:

f'(x) = 2(x + 2)

 

12. an algebraic function problem equation

you will find that chain rule problems often involve sin, cos, and tangent, as we often use trigonometric along with other functions.

solution:

an algebraic function solution equation

 

mastering the chain rule is incredibly important for success on the ap calculus exam.  the key to studying the chain rule, as well as any of the differentiation rules, is to practice with it as much as possible.

author

  • zachary

    zachary is a former mechanical engineer and current high school physics, math, and computer science teacher. he graduated from mcgill university in 2011 and spent time in the automotive industry in detroit before moving into education. he has been teaching and tutoring for the past five years, but you can also find him adventuring, reading, rock climbing, and traveling whenever the opportunity arises.

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