# how to teach chain rule

The following chain rule examples show you how to differentiate (find the derivative of) many functions that have an “inner function” and an “outer function.”For an example, take the function y = √ (x 2 – 3). Again we will see how the Chain Rule formula will answer this question in an elegant way. The “plain” M&M side is great to teach on day 1 of chain rule, giving students a chance to practice with the easier one-time application of the rule. The derivative for every function uses the chain rule, even the functions that appear This unit illustrates this rule. Plan your 60-minute lesson in Math or Chain Rule … The inner function is the one inside the parentheses: x 2-3.The outer function is √(x). 3 plenary ideas at the end of differentiation chain rule lessons $\begingroup$ @DavidZ Some calculus books will incorporate the chain rule into the statement of every formal rule of differentiation, for example writing $\frac{d}{dx} u^n = nu^{n-1} \frac{d u }{d x}$. The Chain Rule mc-TY-chain-2009-1 A special rule, thechainrule, exists for diﬀerentiating a function of another function. The chain rule is a rule for differentiating compositions of functions. A few are somewhat challenging. Now, let's differentiate the same equation using the chain rule which states that the derivative of a composite function equals: (derivative of outside) • … (See figure 1. A tangent segment at is drawn. Students enjoy little packets This very simple example is the best I could come up with. The chain rule states formally that . Something is missing. $\endgroup$ – Steven Gubkin Feb 18 '16 at 16:40 Being a believer in the Rule of Four, I have been trying for years to find a good visual (graphical) illustration of why or how the Chain Rule for derivatives works. 4 • (x 3 +5) 2 = 4x 6 + 40 x 3 + 100 derivative = 24x 5 + 120 x 2. The Chain Rule - if h(x) = g(f(x)), then h0(x) = g0(f(x)) f0(x). teach? The Chain Rule gets it’s name from what happens when you have embedded composite functions. Most problems are average. Chain Rule M&M Lab Teaching Suggestions and Answers Since many students struggle with chain rule questions, much practice is needed with this derivative rule. In order to master the techniques explained here it is vital that you undertake plenty of practice exercises so that they become second nature. In the following discussion and solutions the derivative of a function h(x) will be denoted by or h'(x) . Consider the function . In both examples, the function f(x) may be viewed as: where g(x) = 1+x 2 and h(x) = x 10 in the first example, and and g(x) = 2x in the second. The derivative of (5x+1)^3 is not 3(5x+1)^2. Before using the chain rule, let's multiply this out and then take the derivative. With strategically chosen examples, students discover the Chain Rule. Next: Problem set: Quotient rule and chain rule; Similar pages. 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how to teach chain rule