SOLUTION: What should be the value(s) of k so that the system 2x - 5y = k kx + 3y = 1 will be inconsistent (no solution)?

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Question 1183898: What should be the value(s) of k so that the system
2x - 5y = k
kx + 3y = 1
will be inconsistent (no solution)?

Found 2 solutions by ikleyn, greenestamps:
Answer by ikleyn(52787)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.

If the determinant of the coefficient matrix is not zero, then the system IS CONSISTENT.


Hence, the only case, when it can be inconsistent, is equality of the determinant to zero.


It gives  2*3 - (-5)*k = 0,  or  6 + 5k = 0,   5k = -6,   k =  = -1.2.


With this value of k, the system takes the form


     2x   - 5y = -1.2      (1)

    -1.2x + 3y =  1        (2)



To convince yourself that it is INCONSISTENT, multiply equation (1) by 3; multiply equation (2) by -5.

You will get then the EQUIVALENT system


    6x - 15y = -3.6     (3)

    6x - 15y =  -5.     (4)



Comparing equations (3) and (4), you see that their left sides are IDENTICAL, 

while their right sides are DIFFERENT.


It shows that the system (3), (4) is INCOMPATIBLE  (= inconsistent).


With it, the equivalent system (1), (2) is inconsistent, too.

Solved, answered and thoroughly explained.



Answer by greenestamps(13200)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!


Here is another way to find the answer, if you haven't yet studied matrices.

Two linear equations are inconsistent (the graphs are parallel lines) or equivalent (the graphs are the same line) if the ratio of the coefficients of the x and y terms is the same in both equations.

In this example, the equations are inconsistent if






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