Table of contents
- 0. Functions7h 52m
- Introduction to Functions16m
- Piecewise Functions10m
- Properties of Functions9m
- Common Functions1h 8m
- Transformations5m
- Combining Functions27m
- Exponent rules32m
- Exponential Functions28m
- Logarithmic Functions24m
- Properties of Logarithms34m
- Exponential & Logarithmic Equations35m
- Introduction to Trigonometric Functions38m
- Graphs of Trigonometric Functions44m
- Trigonometric Identities47m
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions48m
- 1. Limits and Continuity2h 2m
- 2. Intro to Derivatives1h 33m
- 3. Techniques of Differentiation3h 18m
- 4. Applications of Derivatives2h 38m
- 5. Graphical Applications of Derivatives6h 2m
- 6. Derivatives of Inverse, Exponential, & Logarithmic Functions2h 37m
- 7. Antiderivatives & Indefinite Integrals1h 26m
- 8. Definite Integrals4h 44m
- 9. Graphical Applications of Integrals2h 27m
- 10. Physics Applications of Integrals 2h 22m
3. Techniques of Differentiation
The Chain Rule
Problem 59
Textbook Question
Find the value of dy/dt at t = 0 if y = 3 sin 2x and x = t² + π.

1
First, identify the given functions: y = 3 sin(2x) and x = t² + π. We need to find dy/dt at t = 0.
Use the chain rule to find dy/dt. The chain rule states that dy/dt = (dy/dx) * (dx/dt).
Calculate dy/dx. Since y = 3 sin(2x), use the derivative of sin(u), which is cos(u) * du/dx. Here, u = 2x, so dy/dx = 3 * cos(2x) * 2 = 6 cos(2x).
Calculate dx/dt. Since x = t² + π, differentiate with respect to t to get dx/dt = 2t.
Substitute dy/dx and dx/dt into the chain rule expression: dy/dt = 6 cos(2x) * 2t. Evaluate this expression at t = 0, where x = (0)² + π = π, to find the value of dy/dt.

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
5mPlay a video:
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Chain Rule
The Chain Rule is a fundamental principle in calculus used to differentiate composite functions. It states that if a variable y depends on u, and u depends on t, then the derivative of y with respect to t can be found by multiplying the derivative of y with respect to u by the derivative of u with respect to t. This is essential for solving the given problem, as we need to differentiate y with respect to t through the intermediate variable x.
Recommended video:
Intro to the Chain Rule
Implicit Differentiation
Implicit differentiation is a technique used to differentiate equations where the dependent and independent variables are not explicitly separated. In this case, since y is expressed in terms of x, which in turn is expressed in terms of t, implicit differentiation allows us to find dy/dt by treating x as a function of t. This method is particularly useful when dealing with relationships that are not easily solvable for one variable.
Recommended video:
Finding The Implicit Derivative
Trigonometric Functions
Trigonometric functions, such as sine and cosine, are fundamental in calculus and describe relationships between angles and sides of triangles. In this problem, y = 3 sin(2x) involves the sine function, which will require knowledge of its properties and derivatives. Understanding how to differentiate trigonometric functions is crucial for finding the derivative of y with respect to t, especially when combined with the Chain Rule.
Recommended video:
Introduction to Trigonometric Functions
Watch next
Master Intro to the Chain Rule with a bite sized video explanation from Callie
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice