Which curve has a constant first derivative? Date of Exam May 1994 Subject Mathematics, Surveying and Transportation Engineering Problem If the first derivative of the equation of a curve is a constant, the curve is: A. circle C. hyperbola B. straight line D. parabola Answer Key Click here to show or hide the answer key [ B ] Problem Click here to expand or collapse this section Option A: Circle x2+y2=r2 2x+2y y′=0 y′=−x/y ← Not constant Option B: Straight line y=mx+b y′=m ← Constant! Option C: Hyperbola x2a2−y2b2=1 2xa2−2y y′b2=0 y′=b2xa2y ← Not constant Option D: Parabola y=a+bx+cx2 y′=b+2cx ← Not constant Thus, the answer is [ B ] Category Differential Calculus Differentiation First Derivative Constant Slope Log in or register to post comments