Derivative of x³ + 2x

Step-by-step solution

1. Step 1: Power rule on x³

   The derivative of x³ is 3x².

   $$3x^2$$

2. Step 2: Power rule on 2x

   The derivative of 2x¹ is 2.

   $$2$$

3. Step 3: Sum rule

   Add the term-by-term derivatives.

   $$3x^2+2$$

Why this works

The power rule says d/dx[xⁿ] = n xⁿ⁻¹. Constants factor out, and sums differentiate term by term. No product or chain rule is required here.