rules of

differentiation
and chain rule
Week 6 and 10 – Basic Calculus
Objectives for today
01
Differentiating algebraic
functions
Rules when differentiating
algebraic functions
02
Differentiating exponential
and logarithmic functions
Rules when differentiating
exponential and logarithmic
functions

03 04
Differentiating Differentiating algebraic
trigonometric functions functions with chain rule
Rules when differentiating Rules when differentiating
trigonometric functions algebraic functions with
chain rule
 01
Differentiating
algebraic
functions
Rules when differentiating
algebraic functions
Differentiating algebraic functions
RULE 1: DERIVATIVE OF A CONSTANT

The derivative of a constant is always zero. Mathematically speaking:

𝑑𝑦 𝑑
= 𝑐 =0
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Example 1: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 5.
𝑑𝑦 𝑑
Solution: = 5 =0
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Example 2: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 𝜋 + 𝑒.

𝑑𝑦 𝑑
Solution: = 𝜋+𝑒 =0
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Differentiating algebraic functions
RULE 2: DERIVATIVE OF A POWER

The derivative of a variable with a power (where n is any real number) is governed by :

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑛
= 𝑥 = 𝑛𝑥 𝑛−1
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Example 1: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 𝑥 10 .
𝑑𝑦 𝑑
Solution: = 𝑥 10 = 10𝑥 10−1 = 10𝑥 9
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

1
Example 2: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = .
𝑥5
𝑑𝑦 𝑑 1 𝑑
Solution: = = 𝑥 −5 = −5𝑥 −5−1 = −5𝑥 −6
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑥 5 𝑑𝑥
Differentiating algebraic functions
RULE 2: DERIVATIVE OF A POWER

The derivative of a variable with a power (where n is any real number) is governed by
:

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑛
= 𝑥 = 𝑛𝑥 𝑛−1
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

3
Example 3: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 𝑥 2.
𝑑𝑦 𝑑 3 𝑑 2 2
Solution: 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑑𝑥 𝑥 2 = 𝑑𝑥 𝑥 2Τ3 = 3 𝑥 2Τ3 −1
= 3 𝑥 −1Τ3
Differentiating algebraic functions
RULE 3: DERIVATIVE OF A CONSTANT TIMES A FUNCTION

The derivative of a function with a multiplier constant c is governed by:

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑
= 𝑐𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑐 (𝑓 𝑥 )
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Example 1: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 3𝑥 4 .
𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑
Solution: 𝑑𝑥 = 𝑑𝑥 3𝑥 4 = 3 ∗ 𝑑𝑥 𝑥 4 = 3 4𝑥 4−1 = 12𝑥 3

1
Example 2: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 .
2
𝑑𝑦 𝑑 1 2 1 𝑑 1
Solution: = 𝑥 = ∗ 𝑥2 = 2𝑥 2−1 = 1𝑥 1 = 𝑥
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 2 2 𝑑𝑥 2
Differentiating algebraic functions
RULE 4: DERIVATIVE OF SUM AND DIFFERENCE

The derivative of a function with multiple terms is the individual

derivative of the terms:

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑
= 𝑓 𝑥 + 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑓 𝑥 + 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑
= 𝑓 𝑥 − 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑓 𝑥 − 𝑔(𝑥)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Differentiating algebraic functions
RULE 4: DERIVATIVE OF SUM AND DIFFERENCE

Example 1: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 3𝑥 4 − 2𝑥 2 + 4.

Solution:

𝑑𝑦 𝑑
= 𝑑𝑥 3𝑥 4 − 2𝑥 2 + 4
𝑑𝑥

𝑑 𝑑 𝑑
=3∗ 𝑥 4 − 2* 𝑑𝑥 𝑥 2 + 𝑑𝑥 (4)
𝑑𝑥

= 3 ∗ 4𝑥 4−1 − 2* 2𝑥 2−1 + (0)

= 12𝑥 3 − 4𝑥
Differentiating algebraic functions
RULE 5: DERIVATIVE OF A PRODUCT

The derivative of the product of two functions (let u = 𝑓 𝑥 and v = 𝑔 𝑥 ) is

governed by:

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑
= 𝑢∗𝑣 = 𝑢∗ 𝑣 +𝑣∗ 𝑢
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Mnemonics: (left * derivative of right) + (right * derivative of left)

Differentiating algebraic functions
RULE 5: DERIVATIVE OF A PRODUCT

Example 1: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = (𝑥 3 + 2𝑥)(2𝑥 − 1).

𝑑𝑦 𝑑
Solution: = 𝑑𝑥 (𝑥 3 + 2𝑥)(2𝑥 − 1)
𝑑𝑥

𝑑 𝑑 3
= 𝑥3 + 2𝑥 ∗ 2𝑥 − 1 + 2𝑥 − 1 ∗ 𝑥 + 2𝑥
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

= 𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 ∗ 2(1)𝑥 1−1 −0 + 2𝑥 − 1 ∗ (3𝑥 3−1 + 2 1 𝑥 1−1 )

= 𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 ∗ 2 + 2𝑥 − 1 ∗ 3𝑥 2 + 2 = 2𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 + 6𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 − 3𝑥 2 − 2

= 8𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 − 2
Differentiating algebraic functions
RULE 6: DERIVATIVE OF A QUOTIENT

The derivative of the quotient of two functions (let u = 𝑓 𝑥 and v = 𝑔 𝑥 ) is

governed by:

𝑑 𝑑
𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑢 𝑣∗ 𝑢 −𝑢∗ 𝑣
= = 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑣 𝑣2

(low * derivative of high) - (high * derivative of low)

Mnemonics: low2
Differentiating algebraic functions
RULE 6: DERIVATIVE OF A QUOTIENT

𝑥 2 +1
Example 1: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 −1
𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑥 2 +1
Solution: =
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑥 3 −1

𝑑 2 𝑑
𝑥3 − 1 ∗ 𝑥 + 1 − (𝑥 2 +1) ∗ (𝑥 3 − 1)
= 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
(𝑥 3 −1)2

𝑥 3 − 1 ∗ (2𝑥 2−1 + 0) − (𝑥 2 +1) ∗ (3𝑥 3−1 + 0)

=
𝑥 6 − 2𝑥 3 + 1
Differentiating algebraic functions
RULE 6: DERIVATIVE OF A QUOTIENT

𝑥 2 +1
Example 1: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 −1
𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑥 2 +1
Solution: =
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑥 3 −1

𝑥 3 − 1 ∗ (2𝑥) − (𝑥 2 +1) ∗ (3𝑥 2 )

=
𝑥 6 − 2𝑥 3 + 1

2𝑥 4 − 2𝑥 − (3𝑥 4 +3𝑥 2 )
=
𝑥 6 − 2𝑥 3 + 1
Differentiating algebraic functions
RULE 6: DERIVATIVE OF A QUOTIENT

𝑥 2 +1
Example 1: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 −1
𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑥 2 +1
Solution: =
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑥 3 −1

2𝑥 4 − 2𝑥 − (3𝑥 4 +3𝑥 2 )
=
𝑥 6 − 2𝑥 3 + 1

−𝑥 4 − 3𝑥 2 − 2𝑥
=
𝑥 6 − 2𝑥 3 + 1
 02
Differentiating
exponential and
logarithmic functions
Rules when differentiating
exponential and logarithmic
functions
Differentiating exponential functions
RULE 1: DERIVATIVE OF 𝒆𝒙 AND 𝒆𝒖

The derivative of 𝒆𝒙 is always 𝒆𝒙 . Meanwhile, the derivative of 𝒆𝒖 uses chain rule.

𝑑 𝒙 𝑑 𝒖 𝑑𝑢
𝒆 = 𝒆𝒙 and 𝒆 = 𝒆𝒖
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Example 1: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 3𝑒 𝑥 .
𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑
Solution: = 3𝑒 𝑥 = 3 ∗ 𝑒 𝑥 = 3𝑒 𝑥
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Example 2: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 2𝑒 𝑥 .

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑
Solution: = 2𝑒 𝑥 = 2 ∗ 𝑒 𝑥 = 2𝑒 𝑥
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Differentiating exponential functions
RULE 1: DERIVATIVE OF 𝒆𝒙 AND 𝒆𝒖

The derivative of 𝒆𝒙 is always 𝒆𝒙 . Meanwhile, the derivative of 𝒆𝒖 uses chain rule.

𝑑 𝒙 𝑑 𝒖 𝑑𝑢
𝒆 = 𝒆𝒙 and 𝒆 = 𝒆𝒖
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Example 3: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 2𝑒 3𝑥 .

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑢
= 2𝑒 3𝑥 = 2 ∗ 𝑒 3𝑥 [Let u = 3𝑥 | = 3]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑 𝑑𝑢 𝑑𝑢
2∗ 𝑒𝑢 = 2 ∗ 𝑒𝑢 [Substitute u = 3𝑥 and = 3]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

2𝑒 3𝑥 3 = 𝟔𝒆𝟑𝒙
Differentiating exponential functions
RULE 1: DERIVATIVE OF 𝒆𝒙 AND 𝒆𝒖

The derivative of 𝒆𝒙 is always 𝒆𝒙 . Meanwhile, the derivative of 𝒆𝒖 uses chain rule.

𝑑 𝒙 𝑑 𝒖 𝑑𝑢
𝒆 = 𝒆𝒙 and 𝒆 = 𝒆𝒖
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
2 +1
Example 4: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 10𝑒 4𝑥 .

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 2 +1 𝑑 2 +1 𝑑𝑢
= 10𝑒 4𝑥 = 10 ∗ 𝑒 4𝑥 [Let u = 4𝑥 2 + 1 | = 4 2 𝑥 2−1 + 0 = 8𝑥]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑 𝑑𝑢 𝑑𝑢
10 ∗ 𝑒 𝑢 = 10 ∗ 𝑒 𝑢 [Substitute u = 4𝑥 2 + 1 and = 8𝑥]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

2 +1 2 +1
10𝑒 4𝑥 8𝑥 = 𝟖𝟎𝒙𝒆4𝑥
Differentiating exponential functions
RULE 2: DERIVATIVE OF 𝒂𝒙 AND 𝒂𝒖

We let a be any real number. The derivative of 𝒂𝒙 and 𝒂𝒖 :

𝑑 𝒙 𝑑 𝒖 𝑑𝑢
𝒂 = 𝒂𝒙 𝒍𝒏 𝒂 and 𝒖
𝒂 = 𝒂 𝒍𝒏 𝒂
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Example 1: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 3𝑥 .
𝑑𝑦 𝑑
Solution: = 3𝑥 = 3𝑥 ln(3)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Example 2: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 2 ∗ 5𝑥 .

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑
Solution: = 2 ∗ 5𝑥 = 2 ∗ 5𝑥 = 2 ∗ 5𝑥 ln(5)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Differentiating exponential functions
RULE 2: DERIVATIVE OF 𝒂𝒙 AND 𝒂𝒖

We let a be any real number (except 0). The derivative of 𝒂𝒙 and 𝒂𝒖 :

𝑑 𝑑 𝒖 𝑑𝑢
𝒂𝒙 = 𝒂𝒙 𝒍𝒏 𝒂 and 𝒖
𝒂 = 𝒂 𝒍𝒏 𝒂 ∗
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Example 3: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 2 ∗ 43𝑥 .

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑢
= 2 ∗ 43𝑥 = 2 ∗ 43𝑥 [Let u = 3𝑥 | = 3]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑 𝑑𝑢 𝑑𝑢
2∗ 4𝑢 = 2 ∗ 4𝑢 ln 4 ∗ [Substitute u = 3𝑥 and = 3]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

2 ∗ 43𝑥 ln 4 ∗ 3 = 𝟔 ∗ 𝟒𝟑𝒙 𝒍𝒏(𝟒)

Differentiating exponential functions
RULE 2: DERIVATIVE OF 𝒂𝒙 AND 𝒂𝒖

We let a be any real number (except 0). The derivative of 𝒂𝒙 and 𝒂𝒖 :

𝑑 𝒙 𝑑 𝒖 𝑑𝑢
𝒂 = 𝒂𝒙 𝒍𝒏 𝒂 and 𝒖
𝒂 = 𝒂 𝒍𝒏 𝒂
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
2 +1
Example 4: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 10 ∗ 34𝑥 .

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 2 +1 𝑑 2 +1 𝑑𝑢
= 10 ∗ 34𝑥 = 10 ∗ 34𝑥 [Let u = 4𝑥 2 + 1 | = 4 2 𝑥 2−1 + 0 = 8𝑥]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑 𝑑𝑢 𝑑𝑢
10 ∗ 3𝑢 = 10 ∗ 3𝑢 ln(3) [Substitute u = 4𝑥 2 + 1 and = 8𝑥]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

2 +1 2 +1
10 ∗ 34𝑥 ln 3 ∗ 8𝑥 = 𝟖𝟎𝒙 ∗ 𝟑4𝑥 ∗ 𝒍𝒏(𝟑)
Differentiating LOGARITHMIC functions
RULE 1: DERIVATIVE OF 𝒍𝒏 𝒙 AND 𝒍𝒏 𝒖

We let u be a function of x that is also differentiable. Then, their derivatives are:

𝑑 1 𝑑 1 𝑑𝑢
𝑙𝑛 𝑥 = and ln 𝑢 =
𝑑𝑥 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑢 𝑑𝑥
Example 1: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 3 ln 𝑥.
𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑 1 𝟑
Solution: = 3 ln 𝑥 = 3 ∗ ln 𝑥 = 3 ∗ =
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑥 𝒙

Example 2: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 5 ln 𝑥.

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑 1 𝟓
Solution: = 5 ln 𝑥 = 5 ∗ ln 𝑥 = 5 ∗ =
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑥 𝒙
Differentiating Logarithmic functions
RULE 1: DERIVATIVE OF 𝒍𝒏 𝒙 AND 𝒍𝒏 𝒖

We let u be a function of x that is also differentiable. Then, their derivatives are:

𝑑 1 𝑑 1 𝑑𝑢
𝑙𝑛 𝑥 = and ln 𝑢 =
𝑑𝑥 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑢 𝑑𝑥

Example 3: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 2 ln 3𝑥 .

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑢
= 2 ∗ ln(3) = 2 ∗ ln(3𝑥) [Let u = 3𝑥 | = 3]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑 1 𝑑𝑢 𝑑𝑢
2∗ ln(𝑢) = 2 ∗ [Substitute u = 3𝑥 and = 3]
𝑑𝑥 𝑢 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

1 6 𝟐
2∗ ∗ 3 = =
3𝑥 3𝑥 𝒙
Differentiating logarithmic functions
RULE 1: DERIVATIVE OF 𝒍𝒏 𝒙 AND 𝒍𝒏 𝒖

We let u be a function of x that is also differentiable. Then, their derivatives are:

𝑑 1 𝑑 1 𝑑𝑢
𝑙𝑛 𝑥 = and ln 𝑢 =
𝑑𝑥 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑢 𝑑𝑥

Example 4: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 10 ∗ ln(4𝑥 2 + 1).

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑢
= 10 ∗ ln(4𝑥 2 + 1) = 10 ∗ ln(4𝑥 2 + 1) [Let u = 4𝑥 2 + 1 | = 4 2 𝑥 2−1 + 0 = 8𝑥]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑 1 𝑑𝑢 𝑑𝑢
10 ∗ ln 𝑢 = 10 ∗ [Substitute u = 4𝑥 2 + 1 and = 8𝑥]
𝑑𝑥 𝑢 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

1 𝟖𝟎𝒙
10 ∗ ∗ 8𝑥 =
4𝑥 2 + 1 𝟒𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏
Differentiating LOGARITHMIC functions
RULE 1: DERIVATIVE OF 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒃 𝒙 AND 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒃 𝒖
We let u be a function of x that is also differentiable. Then, their derivatives are:

𝑑 1 𝑑 1 𝑑𝑢
𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒃 𝒙 = and 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒃 𝑢 =
𝑑𝑥 𝑥 ln 𝑏 𝑑𝑥 𝑢 ln 𝑏 𝑑𝑥
Example 1: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 3𝑙𝑜𝑔7 𝒙.
𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑 1 𝟑
Solution: = 3𝑙𝑜𝑔7 𝑥 = 3 ∗ 𝑙𝑜𝑔7 𝑥 = 3 ∗ =
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑥 ln 7 𝒙 𝒍𝒏 𝟕

Example 2: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 5𝑙𝑜𝑔5 𝒙.

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑 1 𝟓
Solution: = 5𝑙𝑜𝑔5 𝑥 = 5 ∗ 𝑙𝑜𝑔5 𝑥 = 5 ∗ =
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑥 ln 5 𝑥 ln 5
Differentiating Logarithmic functions
RULE 1: DERIVATIVE OF 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒃 𝒙 AND 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒃 𝒖
We let u be a function of x that is also differentiable. Then, their derivatives are:

𝑑 1 𝑑 1 𝑑𝑢
𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒃 𝒙 = and 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒃 𝑢 =
𝑑𝑥 𝑥 ln 𝑏 𝑑𝑥 𝑢 ln 𝑏 𝑑𝑥

Example 3: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 2𝑙𝑜𝑔8 𝟑𝒙.

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑢
= 2 ∗ 𝑙𝑜𝑔8 (3) = 2 ∗ 𝑙𝑜𝑔8 (3𝑥) [Let u = 3𝑥 | = 3]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑 1 𝑑𝑢 𝑑𝑢
2∗ 𝑙𝑜𝑔8 𝑢) = 2 ∗ [Substitute u = 3𝑥 and = 3]
𝑑𝑥 𝑢 ln 8 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

1 6 𝟐
2∗ ∗ 3 = =
3𝑥 ln 8 3𝑥 ln 8 𝒙 𝒍𝒏 𝟖
Differentiating logarithmic functions
RULE 1: DERIVATIVE OF 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒃 𝒙 AND 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒃 𝒖

We let u be a function of x that is also differentiable. Then, their derivatives are:

𝑑 1 𝑑 1 𝑑𝑢
𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒃 𝒙 = and 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒃 𝑢 =
𝑑𝑥 𝑥 ln 𝑏 𝑑𝑥 𝑢 ln 𝑏 𝑑𝑥

Example 4: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 10 ∗ 𝑙𝑜𝑔6 (4𝑥 2 + 1).

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑
= 10 ∗ 𝑙𝑜𝑔6 (4𝑥 2 + 1) = 10 ∗ 𝑙𝑜𝑔6 (4𝑥 2 + 1) 𝑑𝑢
[Let u = 4𝑥 2 + 1 | 𝑑𝑥 = 4 2 𝑥 2−1 + 0 = 8𝑥]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑 1 𝑑𝑢 𝑑𝑢
10 ∗ 𝑙𝑜𝑔6 𝑢 = 10 ∗ [Substitute u = 4𝑥 2 + 1 and = 8𝑥]
𝑑𝑥 𝑢 ln 6 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

1 𝟖𝟎𝒙
10 ∗ ∗ 8𝑥 =
4𝑥 2 + 1 𝟒𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏 𝒍𝒏 𝟔
 03
Differentiating
trigonometric
functions
Rules when differentiating
trigonometric functions
Differentiating trigonometric functions
RULE 1: DERIVATIVE OF 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝒙 AND 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝒖

Let u be a function of x that is differentiable. The derivatives of sin x and sin u are:

𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑢
𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝒙 = cos 𝑥 and 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝒖 = cos 𝑢
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Example 1: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 3 sin 𝑥.
𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑
Solution: = 3 sin 𝑥 = 3 ∗ sin 𝑥 = 3 cos 𝑥
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Example 2: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 2 sin 𝑥.

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑
Solution: = 2 sin 𝑥 = 2 ∗ sin 𝑥 = 2𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑥
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Differentiating trigonometric functions
RULE 1: DERIVATIVE OF 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝒙 AND 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝒖

Let u be a function of x that is differentiable. The derivatives of sin x and sin u are:

𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑢
𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝒙 = cos 𝑥 and 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝒖 = cos 𝑢
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Example 3: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 2sin(3𝑥).

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑢
= 2sin(3𝑥) = 2 ∗ sin(3𝑥) [Let u = 3𝑥 | = 3]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑 𝑑𝑢 𝑑𝑢
2∗ sin(𝑢) = 2 ∗ cos(𝑢) [Substitute u = 3𝑥 and = 3]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

2 cos 3𝑥 ∗ 3 = 𝟔𝒄𝒐𝒔(𝟑𝒙)
Differentiating trigonometric functions
RULE 1: DERIVATIVE OF 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝒙 AND 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝒖

Let u be a function of x that is differentiable. The derivatives of sin x and sin u are:

𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑢
𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝒙 = cos 𝑥 and 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝒖 = cos 𝑢
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Example 4: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 10 ∗ sin(4𝑥 2 + 1).

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑢
= 10 ∗ sin(4𝑥 2 + 1) = 10 ∗ sin(4𝑥 2 + 1) [Let u = 4𝑥 2 + 1 | = 4 2 𝑥 2−1 + 0 = 8𝑥]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑 𝑑𝑢 𝑑𝑢
10 ∗ sin 𝑢 = 10 ∗ cos(𝑢) [Substitute u = 4𝑥 2 + 1 and = 8𝑥]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

10 ∗ cos(4𝑥 2 + 1) ∗ 8𝑥 = 𝟖𝟎𝒙𝒄𝒐𝒔(𝟒𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏)
Differentiating trigonometric functions
RULE 2: DERIVATIVE OF 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝒙 AND 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝒖

Let u be a function of x that is differentiable. The derivatives of cos x and cos u are:

𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑢
𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝒙 = − sin x and 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝒖 = −sin 𝑢
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Example 1: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 3 cos 𝑥.
𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑
Solution: = 3 cos 𝑥 = 3 ∗ cos 𝑥 = −𝟑 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒙
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Example 2: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 2 cos 𝑥.

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑
Solution: = 2 sin 𝑥 = 2 ∗ sin 𝑥 = −𝟐 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒙
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Differentiating trigonometric functions
RULE 2: DERIVATIVE OF 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝒙 AND 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝒖

Let u be a function of x that is differentiable. The derivatives of cos x and cos u are:

𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑢
𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝒙 = − sin x and 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝒖 = −sin 𝑢
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Example 3: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 2𝑐𝑜𝑠(3𝑥).

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑢
= 2cos(3𝑥) = 2 ∗ cos(3𝑥) [Let u = 3𝑥 | = 3]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑 𝑑𝑢 𝑑𝑢
2∗ cos 𝑢 = 2 ∗ −𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝑢) [Substitute u = 3𝑥 and = 3]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

−2 sin 3𝑥 ∗ 3 = −𝟔𝒔𝒊𝒏(𝟑𝒙)
Differentiating trigonometric functions
RULE 2: DERIVATIVE OF 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝒙 AND 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝒖

Let u be a function of x that is differentiable. The derivatives of cos x and cos u are:

𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑢
𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝒙 = − sin x and 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝒖 = −sin 𝑢
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Example 4: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 10 ∗ cos(4𝑥 2 + 1).

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑢
= 10 ∗ cos(4𝑥 2 + 1) = 10 ∗ cos(4𝑥 2 + 1) [Let u = 4𝑥 2 + 1 | 𝑑𝑥 = 4 2 𝑥 2−1 + 0 = 8𝑥]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑 𝑑𝑢 𝑑𝑢
10 ∗ cos 𝑢 = 10 ∗ −sin(𝑢) [Substitute u = 4𝑥 2 + 1 and = 8𝑥]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

10 ∗ − sin 4𝑥 2 + 1 ∗ 8𝑥 = −𝟖𝟎𝒙𝒔𝒊𝒏(𝟒𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏)
Differentiating trigonometric functions
RULE 3: DERIVATIVE OF 𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝒙 AND 𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝒖

Let u be a function of x that is differentiable. The derivatives of tan x and tan u are:

𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑢
𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝒙 = 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 (𝑥) and 𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝒖 = 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 (𝑢)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Example 1: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 3 tan 𝑥.
𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑
Solution: = 3 ta𝑛 𝑥 = 3 ∗ tan 𝑥 = 𝟑 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝟐 (𝒙)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Example 2: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 2 tan 𝑥.

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑
Solution: = 2 tan 𝑥 = 2 ∗ tan 𝑥 = 𝟐 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝟐 (𝒙)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Differentiating trigonometric functions
RULE 3: DERIVATIVE OF 𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝒙 AND 𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝒖

Let u be a function of x that is differentiable. The derivatives of tan x and tan u are:

𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑢
𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝒙 = 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 (𝑥) and 𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝒖 = 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 (𝑢)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Example 3: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 2𝑡𝑎𝑛(3𝑥).

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑢
= 2𝑡𝑎𝑛(3𝑥) = 2 ∗ tan(3𝑥) [Let u = 3𝑥 | = 3]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑 𝑑𝑢 𝑑𝑢
2∗ tan 𝑢 = 2 ∗ 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 (𝑢) [Substitute u = 3𝑥 and = 3]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

2𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 (3𝑥) ∗ 3 = 𝟔𝒔𝒆𝒄𝟐 (𝟑𝒙)

Differentiating trigonometric functions
RULE 3: DERIVATIVE OF 𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝒙 AND 𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝒖

Let u be a function of x that is differentiable. The derivatives of tan x and tan u are:

𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑢
𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝒙 = 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 (𝑥) and 𝒕𝒂𝒏 𝒖 = 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 (𝑢)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Example 4: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 10 ∗ tan(4𝑥 2 + 1).

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑢
= 10 ∗ tan(4𝑥 2 + 1) = 10 ∗ tan(4𝑥 2 + 1) [Let u = 4𝑥 2 + 1 | 𝑑𝑥 = 4 2 𝑥 2−1 + 0 = 8𝑥]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑 𝑑𝑢 𝑑𝑢
10 ∗ tan 𝑢 = 10 ∗ 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 (𝑢) [Substitute u = 4𝑥 2 + 1 and = 8𝑥]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

10 ∗ 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 (4𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏) ∗ 8𝑥 = 𝟖𝟎𝒙𝒔𝒆𝒄𝟐 (𝟒𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏)

Differentiating trigonometric functions
RULE 4: DERIVATIVE OF 𝒄𝒐𝒕 𝒙 AND 𝒄𝒐𝒕 𝒖

Let u be a function of x that is differentiable. The derivatives of cot x and cot u are:

𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑢
𝒄𝒐𝒕 𝒙 = −𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 (𝑥) and 𝒄𝒐𝒕 𝒖 = −𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 (𝑢)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Example 1: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 3 cot 𝑥.
𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑
Solution: = 3 𝑐𝑜𝑡 𝑥 = 3 ∗ cot 𝑥 = −𝟑 𝒄𝒔𝒄𝟐 (𝒙)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Example 2: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 2 cot 𝑥.

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑
Solution: = 2 cot 𝑥 = 2 ∗ cot 𝑥 = −𝟐 𝒄𝒔𝒄𝟐 (𝒙)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Differentiating trigonometric functions
RULE 4: DERIVATIVE OF 𝒄𝒐𝒕 𝒙 AND 𝒄𝒐𝒕 𝒖

Let u be a function of x that is differentiable. The derivatives of cot x and cot u are:

𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑢
𝒄𝒐𝒕 𝒙 = −𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 (𝑥) and 𝒄𝒐𝒕 𝒖 = −𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 (𝑢)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Example 3: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 2𝑐𝑜𝑡(3𝑥).

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑢
= 2𝑐𝑜𝑡(3𝑥) = 2 ∗ 𝑐𝑜𝑡(3𝑥) [Let u = 3𝑥 | = 3 1 𝑥 1−1 = 3]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑 𝑑𝑢 𝑑𝑢
2∗ cot 𝑢 = 2 ∗ −𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 (𝑢) [Substitute u = 3𝑥 and = 3]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

−2𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 3𝑥 ∗ 3 = −𝟔𝒄𝒔𝒄𝟐 (𝟑𝒙)

Differentiating trigonometric functions
RULE 4: DERIVATIVE OF 𝒄𝒐𝒕 𝒙 AND 𝒄𝒐𝒕 𝒖

Let u be a function of x that is differentiable. The derivatives of cot x and cot u are:

𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑢
𝒄𝒐𝒕 𝒙 = −𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 (𝑥) and 𝒄𝒐𝒕 𝒖 = −𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 (𝑢)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Example 4: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 10 ∗ cot(4𝑥 2 + 1).

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑢
= 10 ∗ cot(4𝑥 2 + 1) = 10 ∗ cot(4𝑥 2 + 1) [Let u = 4𝑥 2 + 1 | 𝑑𝑥 = 4 2 𝑥 2−1 + 0 = 8𝑥]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑 𝑑𝑢 𝑑𝑢
10 ∗ cot 𝑢 = 10 ∗ −𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 (𝑢) [Substitute u = 4𝑥 2 + 1 and = 8𝑥]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

−10 ∗ 𝑐𝑠𝑐 2 4𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏 ∗ 8𝑥 = −𝟖𝟎𝒙𝒄𝒔𝒄𝟐 (𝟒𝒙𝟐 + 𝟏)

Differentiating trigonometric functions
RULE 5: DERIVATIVE OF 𝒔𝒆𝒄 𝒙 AND 𝒔𝒆𝒄 𝒖

Let u be a function of x that is differentiable. The derivatives of sec x and sec u are:

𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑢
𝒔𝒆𝒄 𝒙 = 𝑠𝑒𝑐 𝑥 tan(𝑥) and 𝒔𝒆𝒄 𝒖 = 𝑠𝑒𝑐 𝑢 tan(𝑢)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Example 1: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 3 sec 𝑥.
𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑
Solution: = 3 𝑠𝑒𝑐 𝑥 = 3 ∗ sec 𝑥 = 𝟑𝒔𝒆𝒄 𝒙 𝒕𝒂𝒏(𝒙)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Example 2: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 2 sec 𝑥.

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑
Solution: = 2 sec 𝑥 = 2 ∗ se𝑐 𝑥 = 𝟐𝒔𝒆𝒄 𝒙 𝒕𝒂𝒏(𝒙)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Differentiating trigonometric functions
RULE 5: DERIVATIVE OF 𝒔𝒆𝒄 𝒙 AND 𝒔𝒆𝒄 𝒖

Let u be a function of x that is differentiable. The derivatives of sec x and sec u are:

𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑢
𝒔𝒆𝒄 𝒙 = 𝑠𝑒𝑐 𝑥 tan(𝑥) and 𝒔𝒆𝒄 𝒖 = 𝑠𝑒𝑐 𝑢 tan(𝑢)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Example 3: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 2𝑠𝑒𝑐(3𝑥).

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑢
= 2𝑠𝑒𝑐(3𝑥) = 2 ∗ 𝑠𝑒𝑐(3𝑥) [Let u = 3𝑥 | = 3]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑 𝑑𝑢 𝑑𝑢
2∗ sec 𝑢 = 2 ∗ 𝑠𝑒𝑐 𝑢 tan(𝑢) [Substitute u = 3𝑥 and = 3]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

2 sec 3𝑥 tan 3𝑥 ∗ 3 = 𝟔𝒔𝒆𝒄 𝟑𝒙 𝒕𝒂𝒏(𝟑𝒙)

Differentiating trigonometric functions
RULE 5: DERIVATIVE OF 𝒔𝒆𝒄 𝒙 AND 𝒔𝒆𝒄 𝒖

Let u be a function of x that is differentiable. The derivatives of sec x and sec u are:

𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑢
𝒔𝒆𝒄 𝒙 = 𝑠𝑒𝑐 𝑥 tan(𝑥) and 𝒔𝒆𝒄 𝒖 = 𝑠𝑒𝑐 𝑢 tan(𝑢)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Example 4: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 10 ∗ sec(4𝑥 2 + 1).

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑢
= 10 ∗ sec(4𝑥 2 + 1) = 10 ∗ sec(4𝑥 2 + 1) [Let u = 4𝑥 2 + 1 | 𝑑𝑥 = 4 2 𝑥 2−1 + 0 = 8𝑥]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑 𝑑𝑢 𝑑𝑢
10 ∗ sec 𝑢 = 10 ∗ sec(u)tan(𝑢) [Substitute u = 4𝑥 2 + 1 and = 8𝑥]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

10 ∗ sec 4𝑥 2 + 1 tan(4𝑥 2 + 1) ∗ 8𝑥 = 𝟖𝟎𝒙 sec 4𝑥 2 + 1 tan(4𝑥 2 + 1)

Differentiating trigonometric functions
RULE 6: DERIVATIVE OF 𝒄𝒔𝒄 𝒙 AND 𝒄𝒔𝒄 𝒖

Let u be a function of x that is differentiable. The derivatives of csc x and csc u are:

𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑢
𝒄𝒔𝒄 𝒙 = −𝑐𝑠𝑐 𝑥 cot(𝑥) and 𝒄𝒔𝒄 𝒖 = −𝑐𝑠𝑐 𝑢 cot(𝑢)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Example 1: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 3 csc 𝑥.
𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑
Solution: = 3 𝑐𝑠𝑐 𝑥 = 3 ∗ csc 𝑥 = −𝟑𝒄𝒔𝒄 𝒙 𝒄𝒐𝒕(𝒙)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Example 2: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 2 csc 𝑥.

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑
Solution: = 2 csc 𝑥 = 2 ∗ csc 𝑥 = −𝟐𝒄𝒔𝒄 𝒙 𝒄𝒐𝒕(𝒙)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Differentiating trigonometric functions
RULE 6: DERIVATIVE OF 𝒄𝒔𝒄 𝒙 AND 𝒄𝒔𝒄 𝒖

Let u be a function of x that is differentiable. The derivatives of csc x and csc u are:

𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑢
𝒄𝒔𝒄 𝒙 = −𝑐𝑠𝑐 𝑥 cot(𝑥) and 𝒄𝒔𝒄 𝒖 = −𝑐𝑠𝑐 𝑢 cot(𝑢)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
Example 3: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 2𝑐𝑠𝑐(3𝑥).

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑢
= 2𝑐𝑠𝑐(3𝑥) = 2 ∗ 𝑐𝑠𝑐(3𝑥) [Let u = 3𝑥 | = 3]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑 𝑑𝑢 𝑑𝑢
2∗ csc 𝑢 = 2 ∗ −𝑐𝑠𝑐 𝑢 cot(𝑢) [Substitute u = 3𝑥 and = 3]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

−2 csc 3𝑥 cot 3𝑥 ∗ 3 = −𝟔𝒄𝒔𝒄 𝟑𝒙 𝒄𝒐𝒕(𝟑𝒙)

Differentiating trigonometric functions
RULE 6: DERIVATIVE OF 𝒄𝒔𝒄 𝒙 AND 𝒄𝒔𝒄 𝒖

Let u be a function of x that is differentiable. The derivatives of csc x and csc u are:

𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑢
𝒄𝒔𝒄 𝒙 = −𝑐𝑠𝑐 𝑥 cot(𝑥) and 𝒄𝒔𝒄 𝒖 = −𝑐𝑠𝑐 𝑢 cot(𝑢)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Example 4: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 10 ∗ csc(4𝑥 2 + 1).

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑𝑢
= 10 ∗ csc(4𝑥 2 + 1) = 10 ∗ csc(4𝑥 2 + 1) [Let u = 4𝑥 2 + 1 | 𝑑𝑥 = 4 2 𝑥 2−1 + 0 = 8𝑥]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑 𝑑𝑢 𝑑𝑢
10 ∗ csc 𝑢 = 10 ∗ − csc u 𝑐𝑜𝑡(𝑢) [Substitute u = 4𝑥 2 + 1 and = 8𝑥]
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

−10 ∗ csc 4𝑥 2 + 1 cot 4𝑥 2 + 1 ∗ 8𝑥 = −𝟖𝟎𝒙 csc 4𝑥 2 + 1 cot(4𝑥 2 + 1)

 04
Differentiating
algebraic functions
with chain rule
Rules when differentiating
algebraic functions with
chain rule
Differentiating algebraic functions with chain rule
RULE 1: DERIVATIVE OF A POWER

The derivative of a variable with a power (where n is any real number) is governed by :

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑛 𝑑𝑢
= 𝑢 = 𝑛𝑢𝑛−1
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Example 1: Find the derivative of 𝑦 = (𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 1)3 .

𝑑𝑢
Step 1: Let 𝑢 = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 1 and = 2𝑥 2−1 + 2𝑥 1−1 + 0 = 2𝑥 + 2
𝑑𝑥

𝑑𝑦 𝑑 𝑑𝑢 𝑑𝑢
Step 2: Get the derivative of 𝑢3 : = 𝑢3 = 3𝑢3−1 = 3𝑢2
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑𝑢
Step 3: Substitute 𝑢 and : 3 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 1 2 (2x + 2)
𝑑𝑥