Derivatives - Other form of Chain Rule & Examples

  • In the previous lecture, we learned about the chain rule for finding derivatives.
  • Today, we will explore other forms of the chain rule.
  • These forms are useful in specific situations and simplify the process of differentiation.
  • Let’s dive in and understand these forms in detail.

Form 1: Derivative of Composite Functions

  • The derivative of a composite function f(g(x)) can be calculated using the chain rule as follows:
    • d/dx[f(g(x))] = f’(g(x)) * g’(x)
  • This form is useful when we have a composition of two functions and want to find the derivative of the entire composition.
  • Let’s look at an example to understand this form better.

Example 1:

  • Given: f(x) = (3x^2 + 2)^4
    • Let’s break down the function into two parts:
      • g(x) = 3x^2 + 2
      • f(g(x)) = g(x)^4
  • We can find the derivative of f(x) using the chain rule as follows:
    • f’(x) = 4 * g(x)^3 * g’(x)
  • To find g’(x), we need to differentiate g(x) with respect to x, which is straightforward:
    • g’(x) = 6x
  • Substituting the values, we get:
    • f’(x) = 4 * (3x^2 + 2)^3 * 6x

Form 2: Derivatives of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

  • The derivative of exponential and logarithmic functions can be obtained using the chain rule in a more convenient form.
  • The general form for exponential functions is:
    • d/dx[e^u] = e^u * du/dx
  • The general form for logarithmic functions is:
    • d/dx[log_a(u)] = (1/u) * du/dx
  • These forms allow us to differentiate exponential and logarithmic functions more easily.

Example 2:

  • Given: f(x) = ln(2x + 3)
    • Breaking down the function:
      • g(x) = 2x + 3
      • f(g(x)) = ln(g(x))
  • The derivative of f(x) can be calculated as follows:
    • f’(x) = (1/g(x)) * g’(x)
  • Differentiating g(x) with respect to x:
    • g’(x) = 2
  • Substituting the values, we get:
    • f’(x) = (1/(2x + 3)) * 2

Form 3: Derivative of Inverse Functions

  • The derivative of an inverse function can be found using the chain rule and a convenient formula.
  • If y = f(x) and x = g(y), where f(x) and g(y) are inverse functions, then:
    • (d/dy)g(y) = 1 / (dy/dx) = 1 / f’(x)
  • This formula simplifies the process of finding the derivative of inverse functions.

Example 3:

  • Given: f(x) = sin(x), g(y) = arcsin(y)
    • We know that sin(x) and arcsin(y) are inverse functions of each other.
  • To find the derivative of g(y), we can use the formula:
    • (d/dy)g(y) = 1 / f’(x)
  • Differentiating f(x) with respect to x:
    • f’(x) = cos(x)
  • Substituting the values, we get:
    • (d/dy)g(y) = 1 / cos(x)

Conclusion

  • The chain rule is a powerful tool in calculus for finding derivatives of composite functions.
  • By exploring different forms of the chain rule, we can simplify the process of differentiation for specific functions.
  • Understanding these forms and practicing with examples will help you excel in calculus.
  • Practice differentiating composite, exponential, logarithmic, and inverse functions to strengthen your skills.