-6x + 5y + 6z = -5 3x + 2y + 6z = -5 -6x + 23y + hz = k For this to have infinitely many solutions, the coefficient determinant must equal 0:We evaluate the determinant by copying over the first two columns on the right Add the products of the three upper left to lower right diagonal elements: (-6)(2)(h)+(5)(6)(-6)+(6)(3)(23) -12h-180+414 -12h+234 Now subtract the products of the three upper right to lower left diagonal elements: -(6)(2)(-6)-(-6)(6)(23)-(5)(3)(h) 72+828-15h 900-15h We combine those and get -12h+234+900-15h = -27h+1134 Set that equal to 0 -27h+1134 = 0 -27h = -1134 h = 42 Now our system becomes: -6x + 5y + 6z = -5 3x + 2y + 6z = -5 -6x + 23y + 42z = k Eliminate z from the first two by multiplying the 1st equation by -1 and adding. That gives: 9x - 3y = 0 Now eliminate z from the second and third by multiplying the second by -7 and adding. -21x - 14y - 42z = 35 -6x + 23y + 42z = k --------------------------- -27x + 9y = 35+k Now we multiply the equation 9x - 3y = 0 through by 3 and add it to that result: -27x + 9y = 35+k 27x - 9y = 0 ----------------------------- 0 = 35+k 35 = k So h = 42 and k = 35 That's the answer. But eventually, you'll have to give the solution in terms of z. When you do, the solution will be: The solution is (x,y,z) = Edwin