THE CHAIN

RULE

APRIL 3, 2023
Learning Objectives

At the end of the lesson, the learner shall be able to:

• State the Chain Rule for composite functions
• Illustrate the Chain Rule using the prime notation and
the Leibniz notation
• Solve problems using the Chain Rule
Let’s Think

Give the derivative of the following functions

Let’s Think

Give the derivative of the following functions

Definition

Chain Rule
If the function is differentiable at and the function is
differentiable at , then the composite function is
differentiable at and
Illustration
In using the Chain Rule, we work from the outside to the inside.

outer evaluated derivative evaluated derivative

function at inner of outer at inner of inner
function function function function

Differentiate the outer function [at the inner function ], then

multiply the derivative of the inner function .
Example 1

Differentiate
Solution (Example 1)

Differentiate
Example 2

Let and and

Apply chain rule to obtain

Solution (Example 2)

Evaluate and since

Definition

Chain Rule in Leibniz Notation

If the function and are both differentiable functions,
then
Example 3

Differentiate .
Solution (Example 3)

Differentiate .

Let
Solution (Example 3)
Example 4

Find using the Chain Rule if

Solution (Example 4)

Given:
Let ;
Solution (Example 4)
Example 5

If find .
Solution:
Let ;
Generalized Power Rule

Let where is a differentiable function of given by .

Then by Chain Rule,
Example 6

What is the derivative of ?

Solution: Using the generalized power rule, we have
Example 7

Find if .
Solution: By generalized power rule
Example 8

Evaluate if
Solution:

Note:
Your Turn

Use the Chain Rule to find .

Remember