Cheap tricks to find Derivatives for Polynomial functions ... anyone?

Question

ok, so I wondered if anyone knows an easier way to find derivatives for Polynomial functions without using the instantaneous speed formula. I know, the formyla is no big deal... but this would save time...
Thanks,

Answer 1

The power rule: If n is a positive integer, then

(d / dx) (x ^ n) = n * x ^ (n - 1)

for example: f'( x ^ 3 + 4x ^ 2) = 3x ^ 2 + 8x

Answer 2

Move the exponent to a multiple (in front of the variable) and then subtract one from the exponent.

For instance 4x^3 + 7x^2+ 2x derives to 12x^2 + 14x + 2