Mathwords logoReference LibraryMathwords

Chain Rule

Chain Rule

A method for finding the derivative of a composition of functions. The formula is d/dx f(g(x)) = f'(g(x))g'(x). Another form of the chain rule is dy/dx = (dy/du)(du/dx).

 

Chain Rule formula: d/dx[f(g(x))]=f'(g(x))g'(x), with examples using (x²+5)⁸ showing step-by-step derivative calculations.

 

 

See also

Derivative rules