Question

when it says use the definition of derivative to find the derivative of so so and so.

am i force to use f(x+h)-f(x)/h

or can i manipulate the exponents instead? for instance 2x^2, the derivative of that is 4x. and x, the derivative is. and constants are always zero. i prefer this method because its quicker

Answer 1

yes but if they say you have to use the definition then you must
do it in parts
f(x+h) means sub x+h for x
-f(x) means multiply -1 to the original function
You know what the final answer is, so use that as a guide to make sure you solution works.