Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

chain rule

noun Mathematics.
  1. the theorem that defines the method for taking the derivative of a composite function.
Show More

Origin of chain rule

First recorded in 1860–65
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
British Dictionary definitions for chain rule

chain rule

noun
  1. maths a theorem that may be used in the differentiation of the function of a function. It states that d u /d x = (d u /d y)(d y /d x), where y is a function of x and u a function of y
Show More
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012