Step 1: Identify the function and the rule to apply
The given function is \( \frac{d}{dx} \left( (3x - 1)^5 \right) \). This is a composite function, so we will use the chain rule to differentiate it.
Step 2: Apply the chain rule
The chain rule states that if you have a composite function \( f(g(x)) \), then the derivative is \( f'(g(x)) \cdot g'(x) \). Here, let \( u = 3x - 1 \) and \( f(u) = u^5 \).
Step 3: Differentiate the outer function
Differentiate \( f(u) = u^5 \) with respect to \( u \):
\[ f'(u) = 5u^4 \]
Step 4: Differentiate the inner function
Differentiate \( u = 3x - 1 \) with respect to \( x \):
\[ \frac{du}{dx} = 3 \]
Step 5: Combine the results
Using the chain rule, combine the derivatives:
\[ \frac{d}{dx} \left( (3x - 1)^5 \right) = 5(3x - 1)^4 \cdot 3 \]