Question

Show graphically that the system of equations $2x+3y=4,4x+6y=12$ is inconsistent.

Answer 1

On a graph paper, draw a horizontal line X'OX and a vertical line YOY' as the x-axis and y-axis, respectively.
Graph of 2x + 3y = 4
2x + 3y = 4
⇒ 3y = (−2x + 4)
∴ $y=\frac{-2x+4}{3}$ .........(i)
Putting x = 2, we get y = 0.
Putting x = −1, we get y = 2.
Putting x = −4, we get y = 4.
Thus, we have the following table for the equation 2x + 3y = 4.

x	2	−1	−4
y	0	2	4

Now, plot the points A(2, 0), B(−1, 2) and C(−4, 4) on the graph paper.
Join AB and BC to get the graph line AC. Extend it on both ways.
Thus, AC is the graph of 2x + 3y = 4.

Graph of 4x + 6y = 12
4x + 6y = 12
⇒ 6y = (−4x + 12)
∴ $y=\frac{-4x+12}{6}$ ...........(ii)
Putting x = 3, we get y = 0.
Putting x = 0, we get y = 2.
Putting x = 6, we get y = −2.
Thus, we have the following table for the equation 4x + 6y = 12.

x	3	0	6
y	0	2	−2

Now, on the same graph, plot the points P(3, 0), Q(0, 2) and R (6, −2).
Join PQ and PR to get the graph line QR. Extend it on both ways.
Then, QR is the graph of the equation 4x + 6y = 12.

It is clear from the graph that these two lines are parallel and do not intersect when produced.
Hence, the given system of equations is inconsistent.