LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET

QUARTER ___3_____/ SEMESTER ___2nd______

Week 7

Name:____________________________________________________Score:_______

Grade & Section _________________________Subject: _Basic Calculus______________

Name of Teacher: ____________________________________Date: _____________

I. Title: The Chain Rule of Differentiation

II.Type of Activity: Concept notes with formative activities

LAS for summative assessment ( Written Work

Performance Task)
III. MELC: Illustrate the chain rule of differentiation. (STEM_BC11D-IIIh-2)
Solve problems using the chain rule.
(STEM_BC11D-IIIh-i-1)

IV. Learning Objective/s:

Define chain rule
Differentiate the function by Chain Rule
Solve real-problems using the chain rule.
V. Reference/s
K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum (Grade 11)
Basic Calculus Learner’s Material; Balmaceda, Vergara, De Lara et.al. pgs.

For Online Resource/s:

https://sites.northwestern.edu/recalculated/2019/05/13/the-chain-rule/
https://socratic.org/questions/5a6b377f7c0149554545a31c

VI. Concept notes for summative assessment:

The Chain Rule: Derivative of Composite Function
Chain Rule is the process of differentiating a composite function.
Recall: Composite functions are two functions combined to make a single one.
For example, the combination of functions 𝑓 and 𝑔: (𝑓 𝑜 𝑔)(𝑥) = 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥))
Note: To apply the Chain Rule on composite functions, you must take the derivative of its
outside function and then multiply it to the derivative of its inside function.

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 Furthermore, the Chain Rule below provides for a formula for the derivative of a
composition of functions. Theorem 9 (Chain Rule). Let f be a function differentiable at c
and let g be a function differentiable at f(c). Then the composition g o f is differentiable at
c and
Dx (g o f) (c) = g (f(c)) . f(c) .

Note: Another way to state the Chain Rule is the following: If y is a differentiable function
of u defined by y = f(u) and u is a differentiable function of x defined by u = g(x), then y is
a differentiable function of x, and the derivative of y with respect to x is given by
dy dy du
= .
dx du dx

In words, the derivative of a composition of functions is the derivative of the outer

function evaluated at the inner function, times the derivative of the inner function.

Example 1. Solve for the derivative of 𝒇(𝒈(𝒙)) = (𝒙 + 𝟒)𝟓. Below are the steps and solutions
to get the answer for the equation given above.
Explanation Computation
Since there is no direct differentiation rule Let 𝑢 = 𝑥 + 4
applicable, the equation inside the 𝑓(𝑢) = (𝑢)5
parenthesis was represented into single
variable 𝒖 resulting into a simpler equation
raised to an exponent. This equation is the
outside function.
On the other hand, the actual equation inside 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 4
the parenthesis is the inside function.
Application of chain rule: derivative of the 𝑓′(𝑔(𝑥)) = 5(𝑢) 5−1 ∙ (1)
outside function multiplied by the derivative 𝑓′(𝑔(𝑥)) = 5(𝑢)4
d
of the inside function, [𝑢𝑛] = 𝑛(𝑢)𝑛−1 ∙ 𝑢 ′
dx
Return the original equation 𝒙 + 𝟒 and 𝑓′(𝑔(𝑥)) = 5(𝑥 + 4) 4
substitute to the variable 𝒖 to get the
answer.

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The derivative of (𝑔(𝑥)) = (𝑥 + 4)5 is equal to 5(𝑥 + 4)4 .
Example 2. Differentiate 𝒚 = √ x−3 .
The table below will show the steps and solution that will give you your desired answer.
Explanation Computation
Again, there is no direct differentiation rule Let 𝑢 = 𝑥 – 3
applicable on this item. Therefore, the 𝑓(𝑢) = √ u
equation inside the parenthesis was 𝑓(𝑢) = u 2
1

represented into single variable 𝒖 resulting

into a simpler equation raised to an
exponent. This equation is the outside
function.
On the other hand, the actual equation inside 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 – 3
the parenthesis is the inside function.
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Application of chain rule: derivative of the 1 −1

outside function multiplied by the derivative 𝑓′(𝑔(𝑥)) = (u) 2 ∙ (1)

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d 𝑛 −1
of the inside function, [𝑢 ] = 𝑛(𝑢)𝑛−1 ∙ 𝑢 1
dx 𝑓′(𝑔(𝑥)) = (u) 2
2
′. To make the exponent positive, by 1
applying laws of exponent, simply bring 𝑓′(𝑔(𝑥)) = 1
down its base and exponent on its 2(u) 2
denominator.
Return the original equation 𝒙 − 𝟑 and 1
substitute to the variable 𝒖 to get the 𝑦 ′ = 𝑓′(𝑔(𝑥)) = 1
2
answer. 2(x−3)

1
The derivative of 𝒚 = √ x−3 is equal to 1 .
2(x−3) 2
Example 3.
Find f ‘ (x) using the Chain Rule if f (x) = (3x2 – 2x + 4)2. (Different way of solving using
the Chain Rule)
Solution: We can rewrite y = f (x) = (3x2 – 2x + 4)2 as y = f(u) = u2 where u = 3x2 – 2x + 4, a
differentiable function of x. Using the Chain Rule, we have
dy dy du
f ‘(x) = y’ = = .
dx du dx
= (2u) (6x – 2) (By Substitution)
= 2(3x2 – 2x + 4)(6x – 2)
= 36x3 – 3x2 + 56x - 16

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Example 4. Evaluate the derivative of 𝑦 = sin(3𝑥) .
Using the table below, it will show you the steps and solution that you need in order to get the
final answer on the equation given above.

Explanation Computation
The equation inside the parenthesis was Let 𝑢 = 3x
represented into single variable 𝒖 resulting 𝑦 = sin(𝑢)
into much simpler equation. This equation is
the outside function. (Recall that (𝑥) = 𝑦 .)
On the other hand, the actual equation 𝑔(𝑥) = 3𝑥
inside the parenthesis is the inside function.
Application of chain rule: derivative of the 𝑦′ = [cos(𝑢)] ∙ [3(1)𝑥 1−1]
outside function multiplied by the derivative
of the inside function, 𝑦′ = [cos(𝑢)] ∙ (3)
d 𝑛
, [𝑢 ] = 𝑛(𝑢)𝑛−1 ∙ 𝑢 ′.
dx
(Note: 𝒚′ is the symbol for the derivative of
𝒚.)
It is proper to put the constant in front of the 𝑦′ = 3cos(3𝑥)
function and return the original equation 𝟑𝒙
in place of variable 𝒖 to get the answer.

The derivative of 𝑦 = sin(3𝑥) is equal to 3cos(3𝑥).

Example 5. Find the derivative of 𝑦 = 3(𝑥 + 1)2 .
The table below will show the steps and solution that you need to find out the answer for the
equation provided.
Explanation Computation
For this item, the product rule best suited
the situation. ℎ(𝑥) = 3𝑥
Recall:
d 𝑗(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 1)2
[𝑓(𝑥) ∙ 𝑔(𝑥)]
dx
d d
= 𝑓(𝑥) ∙ [𝑔(𝑥)] + 𝑔(𝑥) ∙ [𝑓(𝑥)]
dx dx
Represent the first function as ℎ(𝑥) = 3𝑥
and the second function as 𝑗(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 1) 2 .

Product Rule Application: Take the first Derivative of the first function ℎ′(𝑥) = 3(1)
function multiplied by the derivative of the (𝑥)1−1
second function. Then, add to the product of
the second function and the derivative of the ℎ′(𝑥) = 3
first function.
In solving for the derivative of second
To get the derivatives of both functions, the function, 𝑗(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 1)2
constant multiple rule can be applied in

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 taking the derivative of the first function Let, 𝑢 = 𝑥 + 1
while chain rule can be used in taking the 𝑓(𝑢) = (𝑢)2
derivative of the second function. 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 + 1
𝑓′(𝑔(𝑥)) = 2(𝑢)2−1 ∙ (1)
𝑓′(𝑔(𝑥)) = 2(𝑥 + 1)
𝑓 ′ (𝑔(𝑥)) = 2𝑥 + 2
𝑗 ′ (𝑥) = 𝑓 ′ (𝑔(𝑥)) = 2𝑥 + 2
Now that the derivatives of both functions 𝑦 ′ = [(3𝑥)(2𝑥 + 2)] + [(𝑥 + 1)2(3)]
are complete, the product rule can be 𝑦 ′ = 6𝑥2 + 6𝑥 + (𝑥2 + 2𝑥 + 1)(3)
applied. Perform the indicated operation, 𝑦 ′ = 6𝑥2+6𝑥 + 3𝑥2 + 6𝑥 + 3
combine like terms and simplify.

Follow the simplification process to get the

answer. 𝑦 ′ = 9𝑥2 + 12𝑥 + 3

The derivative of 𝑦 = 3(𝑥 + 1)2 is equal to 9𝑥2 + 12𝑥 + 3 .

Example 6. Solve for the derivative of 𝑓(𝑔(𝑥)) = (2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 5)7
Solution and steps are shown in the table below.
Explanation Computation
2
Since there is no direct differentiation rule Let 𝑢 = 2𝑥 + 3𝑥 − 5
applicable, the equation inside the
parenthesis was represented into single 𝑓(𝑢) = (𝑢)7
variable 𝑢 resulting into a simpler equation
raised to an exponent. This equation is the
outside function.
On the other hand, the actual equation inside 𝑔(𝑥) = 2𝑥2 + 3𝑥 − 5
the parenthesis is the inside function.
Application of chain rule: Derivative of the 𝑓′(𝑔(𝑥)) = 7(𝑢)7−1 ∙ (4𝑥 + 3)
outside function multiplied by the derivative
of the inside function, 𝑓′(𝑔(𝑥)) = 7(4𝑥 + 3)(𝑢)6
d 𝑛
[𝑢 ] = 𝑛(𝑢)𝑛−1 ∙ 𝑢 ′.
dx
Simplify the terms that needs to be
simplified.
Return the original equation 𝒙 + 𝟒 and 𝑓′(𝑔(𝑥)) = (28𝑥 + 21)(2𝑥2 + 3𝑥 − 5)6
substitute to the variable 𝒖 to get the
answer.

The derivative of (𝑔(𝑥)) = (2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 5) 7 is equal to (28𝑥 + 21)(2𝑥2 + 3𝑥 − 5)6 .

dy
Example 7. Consider the functions y = 3u 2 + 4u and u = x2 + 5. Find .
dx
dy dy du dy du
Solution. By the Chain Rule, we have = . where = 6u + 4 and = 2x.
dx du dx du dx

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 Thus,

dy dy du
= .
dx du dx
= (6u + 4)(2x) (Substitute the value of u)

=[ 6 (x2 + 5) + 4](2x)

= (6x2 + 30 + 4)(2x)

= 12x 3 + 68x

Use each function for reference.

RULE 6: Derivatives of trigonometric functions:
(a) Dx(sin x) = cos x (d) Dx (cot x) = - csc2 x
(b) Dx(cos x) = - sin x (e) Dx (sec x) = sec x tan x
(c) Dx (tan x) = sec2 x (f) Dx (csc x) = - csc x cot x

Real World Applications of the Chain Rule

The Chain Rule can also help us deduce rates of change in the real world. From the
Chain Rule, we can see how variables like time, speed, distance, volume, and weight are
interrelated.

A horse is carrying a carriage on a dirt path. The amount of (energy) E (in calories)

expended by the horse depends on the (distance) m (in miles) the horse walks. Also, the
distance walked by the horse depends on (time) t (in hours). If the horse expends 40 calories
per mile and the horse walks at a speed of 8 mph, at what rate is the horse expending energy?
dz dz dy
 Chain Rule Formula:  = =
dx dy dx
 —————————————————————————————–
dE energy 40 calories dm 8 miles
 = = , =
dm time 1 mile dt 1 hour
 —————————————————————————————–
dE dm
 x
dm dt
 —————————————————————————————–
40 calories 8 miles
   x = 320 calories/hour
1 mile 1hour
 —————————————————————————————–
 The horse expends energy at a rate 320 calories per 1 hour of walking.

EXAMPLE 1: A water droplet falls onto a still pond and creates concentric circular ripples that
propagate away from the center. Assuming that the area of a ripple is increasing at the rate of
2 cm2/s, find the rate at which the radius is increasing at the instant when the radius is 10 cm.
Solution. We solve this step-by-step using the above guidelines
(1) Illustration

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 r

(2) Let r and A be the radius and area, respectively, of a circular ripple at any time t.
(3) The given rate of change is dA /dt = 2 .
(4) We are asked to find dr/ dt at the instant when r = 10.
(5) The relationship between A and r is given by the formula for the area of a circle:
A = π r2
(6) We now differentiate implicitly with respect to time. (Be mindful that all quantities here
depend on time, so we should always apply Chain Rule.)
dA dr
=(2 r)
dt dt
(7) Substituting dA /dt = 2 and r = 10 gives
dr
2=(2∗10)
dt
dr 1
=
dt 10
1
(8) Conclusion: The radius of a circular ripple is increasing at the rate of cm/s.
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Task 1: You can do this

Instructions/Directions: Differentiate each function by applying chain rule. Write the letter of
your choice.
1. 𝑦 = (4𝑥 − 10)4

A. 16(4𝑥 − 10)2 C. 16(4𝑥 − 10)3

B. 16(4𝑥 + 10)2 D. 16(4𝑥 + 10)3

2. y = (4x2 - 5)2

A. (16x2 -10) (8x) C. (8x2 -10) (8x)

B. (8x2 -10) (16x) D. (16x2 -8) (10x)

3. 𝑓(𝑥) = (3𝑥2 − 2𝑥 + 1)6

A. (36𝑥 − 12)(3𝑥2 − 2𝑥 + 1) 5 C. (36𝑥 − 12)(3𝑥3 − 2𝑥 + 1) 5

B. (36𝑥 − 12)(3𝑥2 + 2𝑥 − 1) 4 D. (36𝑥 − 12)(3𝑥2 − 2𝑥 − 1) 4

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4. 𝑦 = x(𝑥2 + 3)2

A. 5𝑥 4 + 18𝑥2 - 9 C. 5𝑥4 − 18𝑥2 + 9

B. 5𝑥 4 + 18𝑥2 + 9 D. 5𝑥2 + 18𝑥4 + 9

5. y = (3x3 – 2x)3

A. (3x3- 2x)2(27x2- 6) C. (9x3- 2x)3(24x2- 6)

B. (27x3- 2x)3(6x2- 6) D. (9x3- 27x)2(9x2- 6)

Task 2:
Instructions/Directions: Differentiate each function by applying chain rule. Write the letter of
your choice.
1. f(x) = (3x2 - 4)2
A. 2x(3x2 + 4) C. 12x(3x2 - 4)
B. 8x(3x2 - 4) D. 6x(9x2 - 4)
2. f(x) = (x3- 5x)3
A. (x3-5x)2 (9x2-15) C. (3x3-5x) (x2-5)
B. (5x3-5x) (3x2-9) D. (9x3-5x)2 (x2-15)
3. f(x) = (x2 -2x +6)2
A. (x2 - 4x +8) (2x-2) C. (x2 - 4x +12) (2x-4)
B. (2x2 - 4x -12) (4x-2) D. (2x2 - 4x +12) (2x-2)
4. f(x) = (2x4-2x +7)2
A. (8x3 - 4)(x4 – 2x + 7) C. (x3 - 4)(x4 – 8x + 7)
B. (16x3 - 4)(2x4 – 2x + 7) D. (x3 - 8)(2x4 – 2x + 2)
5. f(x) = x2(x -3)2
A. 4x3 – 18x2 + 18x C. 4x3 + 12x2 + 18x
B. x3 + 18x2 - 18x D. x3 – 18x2 + 18x

Task 3:
Instructions/Directions: Write true if the statement is correct and false if the statement is
incorrect.

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1. Given the function y = √ 3 x+2, the derivative of this function is y’ = 1 .
(3 x+ 2)2
2. . If y = tan(4𝑥 + 1), then its derivative is y’ = 4𝑠𝑒𝑐2 (4𝑥 + 1).
1
2
3. When y = (2 x−3) 3 , the derivative of this function is y’ = 2 .
(2 x−3) 3

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4. For instance, the given function is y = 2sec (3𝑥), then its derivative is 𝑦 ′ = 6 sec(3𝑥) tan
(3𝑥).
3
5. The derivative of the function y = √ 6 x+1 is y’ = 1 .
(6 x +1) 2
You can do more
Instructions/Directions: Differentiate each function by Chain Rule. Then, complete the table
with the correct answers.

Function Let u f (u) g (x) f ‘(g(x))= y’ (derivative of

f (x) 𝑛(𝑢)𝑛−1
∙𝑢′ the function)
Task 4 f (x)= (x2-5x)2
Task 5 f (x) = √ 3 x+ 4
Task 6 f (x) =( x 3 – 2 x )−3

Task 7 : Challenge Yourself

Instructions/Directions: Differentiate the function by Chain Rule.
1. f (x) = sin 5x
2. f (x) = cos (x + 2)
3. f (x) = tan (2x-4)
4. f (x) = sec (x2-3)
5. f (x) = csc (4x-2)
Task 8 :
Instructions/Directions: Differentiate the function by Chain Rule.
1. f (x) = cos 10x
2. f (x) = sin (x - 2)
3. f (x) = cot (x2 – 4x + 4)
4. f (x) = tan (x2- 1)
5. f (x) = sec (x3-2x+ 1)
Task 9 :
Instructions/Directions: Differentiate the function by Chain Rule.
1. f (x) =tan x2
2. f (x) = sin (x + 1)2
3. f (x) = cot (2x - 4)
4. f (x) = cos √ x
5. f (x) = sec (x - 3)
Task 10 : Level Up
dy
Instructions/Directions: Consider the functions, find by applying the Chain Rule,
dx
dy dy du
= . .
dx du dx

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 1. y = 2u2 + 4u and u = x2 + 1
2. y = u2 + 2u -1 and u = 3x2 + 5x -2
3. y = u2 - 6 and u = 2x2 - 5
4. y = 4u2 + u + 1 and u = x + 3
5. y = 5u2 + 5u and u = x2 + 3x - 6

Task 11 :
Instructions/Directions: Read and understand the problem carefully. Write your solution.
A water droplet falls onto a still pond and creates concentric circular ripples that
propagate away from the center. Assuming that the area of a ripple is increasing at the rate of
5 cm2/s, find the rate at which the radius is increasing at the instant when the radius is 20 cm.
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Task 12:
Instructions/Directions: Read and understand the problem carefully. Write your
solution.
A horse is carrying a carriage on a dirt path. The amount of (energy) E (in calories)
expended by the horse depends on the (distance) m (in miles) the horse walks. Also, the
distance walked by the horse depends on (time) t (in hours). If the horse expends 100 calories
per mile and the horse walks at a speed of 50 mph, at what rate is the horse expending
energy?
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