Step 1: Simplify and look for algebraic rewrites.
This is your new version of Option 1 from limits. This means it is the first thing you will always want to do before you start actually applying a derivative rule. You must ensure that the equation is ready to have a derivative taken.
Step 2: Break the problem down into bitesize chunks based upon the + and – , and identify the derivative rule for each chunk (term).
Each term should be thought of as its own small little problem.
Step 3: Apply derivative rules (recipes) to each of the chunks you identified in Step 2.