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How to Find a System of Equations has No Solution or Infinitely Many Solutions

An equation of the form ax + by + c = 0 where a, b, c ∈ R, a ≠ 0 and b ≠ 0 is a linear equation in two variables. While considering the system of linear equations, we can find the number of solutions by comparing the coefficients of the equations. Also, we can find whether the system of equations has no solution or infinitely many solutions by graphical method. In this article, we will learn how to find if a system of equations has no solution or infinitely many solutions.

System of Equations has No Solution or Infinitely Many Solutions

Let us consider the pair of linear equations in two variables x and y.

a1x + b1y + c1 = 0

a2x + b2y + c2 = 0

Here a1, b1, c1, a2, b2, c2 are all real numbers.

Note that a12 + b12 ≠ 0, a22 + b22 ≠ 0.

Case 1. If (a1/a2) = (b1/b2) = (c1/c2), then there will be infinitely many solutions. This type of equation is called a dependent pair of linear equations in two variables. If we plot the graph of this equation, the lines will coincide.

Case 2. If (a1/a2) = (b1/b2) ≠ (c1/c2), then there will be no solution. This type of equation is called an inconsistent pair of linear equations. If we plot the graph, the lines will be parallel. The graph is shown below.

Solved Examples

Example 1: How many solutions does the following system have?

y = -3x + 9

y = -3x – 7

(A) One solution
(B) No solution
(C) Infinitely many solutions
(D) None of these

Solution:

Given equations are y = -3x + 9

y = -3x – 7

Here (a1/a2) = (b1/b2) ≠ (c1/c2). So this system of equations has no solution.

Another method:

Without graphing them, we can see that both have the same slope -3 which means lines are parallel. Hence the system of equations has no solution.

So option (B) is the answer.

Example 2:

Determine whether the following system of equations have no solution, infinitely many solution or unique solutions. x+2y = 3, 2x+4y = 15

Solution:

Given equations are x+2y = 3

2x+4y = 15

a1 = 1, b1 = 2, c1 = -3

a2 = 2, b2 = 4, c2 = -15

a1/a2 = ½

b1/b2 = ½

c1/c2  = 1/5

a1/a2 = b1/b2≠c1/c2

So, the system of equations has no solution.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1

Define a Linear equation.

A Linear equation is an equation that has one or more variables having degree one.

Q2

Give an example of a Linear equation in two variables.

An example of a Linear equation in two variables: 2x + 3y + 4 = 0.

Q3

Give the condition for a system of linear equations that has no solution.

If a1/a2 = (b1/b2) ≠ (c1/c2), then there will be no solution.

Q4

Give the condition for a system of linear equations that has infinitely many solutions.

If (a1/a2) = (b1/b2) = (c1/c2), then there will be infinitely many solutions.

Test your Knowledge on System of Linear Equations

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