Thinking Mathematically (6th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321867327
ISBN 13: 978-0-32186-732-2

Chapter 7 - Algebra: Graphs, Functions, and Linear Systems - 7.3 Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables - Exercise Set 7.3 - Page 446: 77

Answer

Does not make sense.

Work Step by Step

When a system of linear equation is formed, it can have infinitely many ordered-pair solutions only when graphs of the two coincide, but each equation always has infinitely many ordered-pair solutions. Consider a system, \[\left\{ \begin{align} & 3x+5y=7 \\ & 3x-y=1 \\ \end{align} \right.\] There are two linear equations. Subtract one equation from the other. \[\begin{align} & \left( 3x+5y \right)-\left( 3x-y \right)=7-1 \\ & 3x+5y-3x+y=6 \\ & 6y=6 \\ & y=1 \end{align}\] Now put the value of y in first equation. \[\begin{align} & 3x+5y=7 \\ & 3x+5\left( 1 \right)=7 \\ & 3x=7-5 \\ & x=\frac{2}{3} \end{align}\] So, the above system of linear equation has unique solution, that is, \[\left\{ \frac{2}{3},1 \right\}\]. Consider another system, \[\left\{ \begin{align} & 3x+6y=12 \\ & x+2y=4 \\ \end{align} \right.\] Multiply the second equation by 3 \[\begin{align} & 3\left( x+2y \right)=3\left( 4 \right) \\ & 3x+6y=12 \end{align}\] Both the equations are same, so the above system of linear equations has infinitely many ordered-pair. Hence, every system of linear equations may have infinitely many ordered-pair solutions, but not always as an equation.
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