Question 224423
If you solve an equation for ONE variable, usually what happens you can solve for that variable by getting all the variables on one side and the number terms on the other side. 


However, sometimes in the process of getting all the variables on one side, it just so happens that ALL the VARIABLES subtract out.  In this case, you can't solve for the variable.  Now, if all the variables subtract out, you will have an equatiaon or a statement that is either TRUE or it is FALSE!  


If the resulting equation is always TRUE, then it will be TRUE no matter what!  The statement is IDENTICALLY the same on the left and right side, so we call it an IDENTITY.


If the resulting equation is FALSE, then it will ALWAYS be FALSE.  In this equaiton, there will be NO SOLUTIONS, no matter what you substitute for the variable.  We all this a CONTRADICTION!!


R^2


Dr. Robert J. Rapalje