How do you use the chain rule to differentiate #y=sin4x^3#?

1 Answer
Oct 20, 2016

#12x^2 cos 4x^3#

Explanation:

#y=sin4x^3#

The derivative of #y#, denoted by #y'# will be #(dy)/(dx)=(dy)/(du). (du)/(dx)# (this is the Chain Rule)

Letting #u=4x^3=>y=sin u# and #(dy)/(du)=cos u#

#u=4x^3=>(du)/(dx)=12x^2#

So, your derivative, #y'=12x^2 cos u#

Substituting back the #u=>y'=12x^2 cos 4x^3#

I personally use formulas for these kind of problems (if of course they don't specify) because #1.# It's quicker #2.# It helps you check your work #3.# Why not? We have to memorize some basic formulas for the future anyways (^_^)

Using the formula #color (red) ((sin u)'=u' cos u)#

#=>y'=(sin u)'=12x^2 cos 4x^3#

Hope this helps :)