Question

can (x^2 -2)^2 be differentiated?

Answer 1

directly i mean, without expanding

Answer 2

Yes, (x^2-2)^2= x^4-4x^2+4
When differentiated this will be: 4x^3-8x

Answer 3

i remenber in some cases only differentiating linear functions is possible,but cant recall in what cases you cant differentiate x something with a square

Answer 4

use chain's rule
y=(x^2-2)^2
let u=x^2-2
du/dx=....
y=u^2
dy/du=....
dy/dx=du/dx * dy/du