im using chain rule to answer this question:

-5 ((x^2) - 4x + 1)^(1)/(2)

tried to use calc to get answer to base off of but this is a nonreal number. does this mean i will have to use imaginary numbers? please help

For the life of me, I don't see a question. Am I missing something?

I assume the power of the quadratic is 1/2, it is hard to tell from your grouping symbols.