When dealing with functions of the form \( y = a \sin x + b \cos x \), the sum of \( y^2 \) and \( \left( \frac{dy}{dx} \right)^2 \) simplifies to a constant. This is because the sum of squares of sine and cosine terms always results in 1, leading to a constant expression. This property is useful when solving problems involving trigonometric functions.
The correct answer is: (C) constant.
We are given the function \( y = a \sin x + b \cos x \), and we are asked to find the value of \( y^2 + \left( \frac{dy}{dx} \right)^2 \).
Step 1: Differentiate \( y = a \sin x + b \cos x \)