The slope of the tangent to the curve y = x³ − x at the point where the y-coordinate is 0 and x ≠ 0 is:

The slope of the tangent to the curve y = x³ − x at the point where the y-coordinate is 0 and x ≠ 0 is:

• A. 2
• B. −2
• C. 3
• D. −3

Answer: A) 2

Explanation: y = 0 → x³ − x = 0 → x(x² − 1) = 0. x ≠ 0 → x = 1 or x = −1. dy/dx = 3x² − 1. At x = 1, slope = 2. At x = −1, slope = 2. Both give 2.