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 85d
Textbook Question
Finding derivatives from a table Find the values of the following derivatives using the table. <IMAGE>
d. d/dx (f(x)³) |x=5

1
Step 1: Recognize that you need to find the derivative of a composite function, specifically \( f(x)^3 \). This requires the use of the chain rule.
Step 2: Apply the chain rule. The chain rule states that the derivative of \( g(f(x)) \) is \( g'(f(x)) \cdot f'(x) \). Here, \( g(x) = x^3 \) and \( f(x) \) is the inner function.
Step 3: Differentiate \( g(x) = x^3 \) to get \( g'(x) = 3x^2 \). Therefore, \( g'(f(x)) = 3(f(x))^2 \).
Step 4: Multiply \( g'(f(x)) \) by \( f'(x) \) to get the derivative: \( \frac{d}{dx}(f(x)^3) = 3(f(x))^2 \cdot f'(x) \).
Step 5: Evaluate this expression at \( x = 5 \) using the values from the table for \( f(5) \) and \( f'(5) \). Substitute these values into the expression to find the derivative at \( x = 5 \).

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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 you have a function that is composed of two or more functions, the derivative of the outer function is multiplied by the derivative of the inner function. For example, if y = f(g(x)), then dy/dx = f'(g(x)) * g'(x). This rule is essential for finding the derivative of f(x)³ in the given question.
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Power Rule
The Power Rule is a basic differentiation rule that states if f(x) = x^n, where n is a real number, then the derivative f'(x) = n*x^(n-1). This rule simplifies the process of finding derivatives of polynomial functions. In the context of the question, applying the Power Rule to f(x)³ will help in calculating the derivative needed at x=5.
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Evaluating Derivatives at a Point
Evaluating derivatives at a specific point involves substituting the value of x into the derivative function after it has been calculated. This process provides the slope of the tangent line to the function at that particular point. In this case, after finding the derivative of f(x)³ using the Chain and Power Rules, you will substitute x=5 to find the required derivative value.
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