1. Identify the function to differentiate: y = x^{2.1}.
2. Apply the power rule, which states that \frac{d}{dx}x^n = nx^{n-1}.
3. For y = x^{2.1}, n = 2.1.
4. According to the power rule, the derivative is:
\frac{dy}{dx} = 2.1 \cdot x^{2.1 - 1}
5. Simplify the expression:
\frac{dy}{dx} = 2.1x^{1.1}
Final answer: \frac{dy}{dx} = 2.1x^{1.1}