What Did I Miss in My Derivative Calculation Using First Principles?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the calculation of the derivative of the function f(x) = x^2 + 2x + 1 using first principles. The user attempted to apply the limit definition of the derivative but incorrectly simplified the expression, leading to the wrong result of 2x instead of the correct derivative, 2x + 2. The key error identified was the omission of the term 2h during the expansion process. This highlights the importance of careful algebraic manipulation when applying the limit definition.

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Homework Statement


Find the derivative of f(x) = x^2+2x+1

Homework Equations


f(x + h) - f(x) / h
lim(h->0) f (x+h) - f(x) / h

The Attempt at a Solution


Hi everyone. I keep calculating the derivative for this function incorrectly. I haven't learned the rules of derivatives yet, I am only using first principle definition. So here's my mathematical attempt:
f (x+h) - f (x) / h = (x+h)^2 + 2(x+h)+1 - (x^2+2x+1) / h
First I expand the brackets
=> x^2+2xh+h^2+2x+1-(x^2+2x+1) / h
Now I open the brackets for f(x):
=> x^2+2xh+h^2+2x+1-x^2-2x-1) / h
Now I cancel some variables out and have left:
=> h^2+2xh / h
Now I factor out h and get rid of the fraction:
=> h(h + 2x) / h
Now I use the limit equation lim(h->0) f (x+h) - f(x) / h:
=> lim(h->0) h+2x = 2x is the derivative I calculated for. But checking my answers through online derivative calculators say the derivative is 2x+2? What have I done wrong in my calculations? I've checked them over more times than I can remember to count.
 
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Retribution said:
f (x+h) - f (x) / h = (x+h)^2 + 2(x+h)+1 - (x^2+2x+1) / h
First I expand the brackets
=> x^2+2xh+h^2+2x+1-(x^2+2x+1) / h

You missed a 2h in the numerator coming from the bold term.
 

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