2. Find the first derivative for the following function.

To dive into the world of derivatives, let's take a moment to appreciate that calculus has roots dating back to the 17th century, championed by geniuses like Isaac Newton and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz. Their groundbreaking work laid the foundation for understanding how functions change, forever altering mathematics and science. When it comes to finding derivatives, one common mistake many students make is forgetting the power rule! Remember, when differentiating \( x^n \), simply bring down the exponent \( n \) and reduce the power by one. Easy-peasy, but it’s a classic slip that can lead to errors—so keep an eye out!