what is the derivative of x^2

The derivative of x^2 is 2x. Here's the step-by-step process:

1. Identify the power rule for derivatives, which states that the derivative of x^n is n*x^(n-1).
2. Apply the power rule to x^2. Here, n is 2.
3. Multiply the exponent (2) by the base (x), and then subtract 1 from the exponent.
4. The result is 2x^(2-1), which simplifies to 2x.

So, the derivative of x^2 is 2x.