Question

Find the value of p so that the three lines 3x + y – 2 = 0, px + 2y – 3 = 0 and 2x – y – 3 = 0 may intersect at one point.

Answer 1

The equations of the given lines are

3x + y – 2 = 0 … (1)

px + 2y – 3 = 0 … (2)

2x – y – 3 = 0 … (3)

On solving equations (1) and (3), we obtain

x = 1 and y = –1

Since these three lines may intersect at one point, the point of intersection of lines (1) and (3) will also satisfy line (2).

p (1) + 2 (–1) – 3 = 0

p – 2 – 3 = 0

p = 5

Thus, the required value of p is 5.