Differentiate y = x³ with respect to x.

**The reasoning** This is basic **differentiation using the power rule**: when you have xⁿ, the derivative is n·xⁿ⁻¹. Here, y = x³, so n = 3. Apply the power rule: - Bring down the power as a coefficient: 3 - Reduce the power by 1: 3 − 1 = 2 So dy/dx = 3x² **Why the wrong options tempt you** **Option A (3x)**: You brought down the 3 correctly but reduced the power too much (went to x¹ instead of x²). The power decreases by just 1, not 2. **Option B (x²)**: You reduced the power correctly but forgot to bring down the original power (3) as a coefficient. Never forget that multiplier! **Option D (x³)**: You didn't differentiate at all—you just wrote the original function. Differentiation *always* changes the expression. **Quick takeaway** Power rule: bring the power down front, then subtract 1 from the power—so x³ becomes 3x². Practice this until it's automatic; it's the foundation for all calculus in JAMB!