Solve for k in System of Equations

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the value of k that will result in a unique solution for a matrix with three equations. The determinant of the matrix plays a crucial role in determining the number of solutions, with a nonzero determinant resulting in a unique solution and a zero determinant resulting in either no solutions or infinitely many solutions. Two approaches are suggested: finding a value of k that makes the determinant nonzero or finding a value of k that results in infinitely many solutions.
  • #1
wonguyen1995
13
0
Find k to have a solution?
x-3y=6
x+3z=-3
2x+kx+(3-k)z=1LATEX
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
  • #2
wonguyen1995 said:
Find k to have a solution?
x-3y=6
x+3z=-3
2x+kx+(3-k)z=1LATEX

Have you thought about what role the determinant would play?
 
  • #3
dwsmith said:
Have you thought about what role the determinant would play?

of course I think it should better if i have sample of solution. i will research carefully on this.
 
  • #4
wonguyen1995 said:
of course I think it should better if i have sample of solution. i will research carefully on this.

We know the matrix
\[
\begin{bmatrix}
1&-3&0\\
1&0&3\\
2&k&3-k
\end{bmatrix}
\]
has unique solution if the determinant is what?
Second, if the determinant is zero, we have no solutions or infinitely many solutions.

We have two approaches. One assume the determinant is nonzero and find k that makes it invertible or assume the determinant is zero and try to find a k such that we have infinitely many solutions.
 
  • #5


To solve for k in this system of equations, we can use the method of elimination. First, we can eliminate the variable x by adding the two equations together, resulting in:

x-3y+x+3z=6-3
2x+kx+(3-k)z=1

This simplifies to:

2x+kx=3

Next, we can factor out the common variable x:

x(2+k)=3

To find the value of k, we need to isolate it on one side of the equation. We can do this by dividing both sides by x:

(2+k)=3/x

Finally, we can subtract 2 from both sides to get the value of k:

k=3/x-2

Therefore, to have a solution for this system of equations, k must be equal to 3/x-2.
 

FAQ: Solve for k in System of Equations

How do I solve for k in a system of equations?

To solve for k in a system of equations, you can use the substitution method or the elimination method. First, choose one equation and solve for one variable in terms of the other. Then, substitute this expression into the other equation and solve for the remaining variable. Finally, substitute the values of the variables into the original equation to solve for k.

Can I solve for k in a system of equations with more than two equations?

Yes, you can solve for k in a system of equations with any number of equations. You will need to use the same process as described above, but you may need to make multiple substitutions and solve for multiple variables to find the value of k.

What if there is no solution for k in the system of equations?

If there is no solution for k in the system of equations, it means that the equations are inconsistent and there is no value of k that satisfies all the equations simultaneously. This could happen if the equations are parallel or if they contradict each other.

Are there any shortcuts or tricks for solving for k in a system of equations?

There are a few techniques that can make solving for k in a system of equations easier. For example, if one of the equations is already solved for a variable, you can substitute this expression into the other equations to reduce the number of variables. Additionally, if the equations are linear, you can use the slope-intercept form to quickly find the values of k.

Can I use a calculator to solve for k in a system of equations?

Yes, you can use a calculator to solve for k in a system of equations. Many scientific and graphing calculators have built-in functions for solving systems of equations. However, it is important to double-check your answers and make sure they make sense in the original equations.

Similar threads

Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
1K
Replies
11
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
966
Back
Top