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 84e
Textbook Question
Use the given graphs of f and g to find each derivative. <IMAGE>
d/dx (g(f(x))) |x=1

1
Step 1: Recognize that you need to find the derivative of a composite function, g(f(x)), at x = 1. This requires the use of the chain rule.
Step 2: The chain rule states that the derivative of g(f(x)) with respect to x is g'(f(x)) * f'(x).
Step 3: Evaluate f(x) at x = 1 using the graph of f to find f(1).
Step 4: Use the graph of g to find g'(f(1)), which is the derivative of g at the point f(1).
Step 5: Use the graph of f to find f'(1), which is the derivative of f at x = 1. Multiply g'(f(1)) by f'(1) to find the derivative of g(f(x)) at x = 1.

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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 theorem in calculus used to differentiate composite functions. It states that if you have a function g(f(x)), the derivative is found by multiplying the derivative of the outer function g with the derivative of the inner function f. This rule is essential for solving problems involving nested functions, as it allows for the systematic breakdown of the differentiation process.
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Derivative
A derivative represents the rate at which a function changes at a given point and is a core concept in calculus. It is defined as the limit of the average rate of change of the function as the interval approaches zero. Understanding derivatives is crucial for analyzing the behavior of functions, including their slopes, maxima, minima, and points of inflection.
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Evaluating Derivatives at a Point
Evaluating derivatives at a specific point involves substituting the value of the variable into the derivative function. This process provides the instantaneous rate of change of the function at that point. In the context of the given question, finding d/dx (g(f(x))) at x=1 requires first applying the Chain Rule and then substituting x=1 into the resulting expression to obtain the final value.
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