- Solution 1: We consider the situation geometrically. If we plot R in space (of the relevant dimension), regardless of its parametrization, the derivative at a point will give a vector tangent to R, in the direction the curve moves when the parameter is increasing. Since a(t0) and b(s0) describe the same spot on the curve, a′(t0) and b′(s0) will be parallel (Since we specified the derivatives are nonzero, there's no messiness about vectors being parallel to a zero vector.) — they're both tangent to the same piece of curve. Furthermore, as t increases, so does s, so the direction of increasing t is the same as the direction of increasing s. Therefore, A. holds.

Now we consider the magnitudes of the vectors, to rule out E. Recall ∣a′(t)∣ is the speed at which the curve changes relative to t; this could be any (nonnegative) number. By the same token, ∣b′(s)∣=1. So, b′(s0) is a unit vector, while a′(t0) may or may not be. Then the two vectors are not necessarily equal (although they could be).
So, the best answer is A.
- Solution 2: The chain rule gives us a relationship between b′(s) and a′(t).
dsdb=dsd[a(t(s))]=dtdadsdt
So, the vectors dsdb and dtda differ only by the scalar function dsdt. So, at any point along the curve, these vectors are parallel.
Furthermore, we know that t and s are positively correlated: as t increases, so does s, because we're covering more arclength. So, dsdt is nonnegative. Furthermore, since the derivatives are nonzero, dsdt is nonzero. So, b′(s0) and a′(t0) are positive scalar multiples of each other. That is, they are parallel, and pointing in the same direction. However, unless dsdt=1 (that is, t(s)=s+C for some constant C), the vectors do not have the same magnitude, and hence are not equal.
So, A is the best solution.