There is obviously a trivial solution x=0, y=0, in which t can be any number. So for any other case we will assume there are other soluitions. For 4x+tx-20y = 0 Factor x out of the first two terms on the left x(4+t) - 20y = 0 (4+t)x - 20y = 0 For x-4y+ty = 0 Factor -y out of the last two terms on the left x-y(4-t) = 0 x-(4-t)y = 0 So the system of equations is (4+t)x - 20y = 0 x - (4-t)y = 0 Since both constant terms on the right are 0, that means the determinant of coefficient matrix must be 0, so det(A) = 0Evaluate the determinant on the left and we have -(4+t)(4-t) - (-20)(1) = 0 -(16-t²) + 20 = 0 -(16-t²) = -20 16-t² = 20 -t² = 4 t² = -4 t = ±√-4 t = ±2i Oh, oh!!!!! Something is wrong with the problem!!!!! There are no real values of t!!!!! You must have copied a sign or number wrong, for t cannot be a real number as the problem is given here, except for the one trivial solution x=0 and y=0, in which case t can be any number. If you will state the problem correctly in the thank-you note form, we can help you. Be sure to check the signs and numbers very carefully. Edwin