Final answer:
To find the derivative of a function at a specific point, we can use the limit definition of the derivative and evaluate the limit. Substituting the value of x into the formula and evaluating the limit will give us the derivative.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking for the derivative of the function f at x = -1. To find the derivative of a function at a specific point, we use the concept of the derivative, which measures the rate of change of the function at that point. The derivative of a function f(x), denoted as f'(x), can be calculated using the limit definition of the derivative or by applying differentiation rules.
In this case, since we are dealing with a specific point (-1), we can use the limit definition of the derivative. The derivative of a function f at a point x = a is given by the formula:
f'(a) = lim(h -> 0) [f(a + h) - f(a)] / h
Substituting the value x = -1 into the formula and evaluating the limit will give us the derivative of the function at that point.