Solving a system of linear equations with one unknown value

Yes, that is correct. In summary, the values of a for which the given system of linear equations has no solutions is when a = 2, has a unique solution for all other values of a, and has infinitely many solutions when a never equals 2.
  • #1
exqiron
2
0
Determine the values of a for which the following system of linear equations has no solutions, a unique solution, or infinitely many solutions. You can select 'always', 'never', 'a = ', or 'a ≠', then specify a value or comma-separated list of values.

3x1+6x2 = −6
3x1+9x2−6x3 = −12
x1+x2+ax3 = 1No Solutions: ?
Unique Solution: ?
Infinitely Many Solutions: ?

all i could conclude from this was
1 1 a 1
0 1 -2 -2
0 0 (2-a) -1
don't know what to do next i have tried different questions, don't understand :/
 
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  • #2
exqiron said:
Determine the values of a for which the following system of linear equations has no solutions, a unique solution, or infinitely many solutions. You can select 'always', 'never', 'a = ', or 'a ≠', then specify a value or comma-separated list of values.

3x1+6x2 = −6
3x1+9x2−6x3 = −12
x1+x2+ax3 = 1No Solutions: ?
Unique Solution: ?
Infinitely Many Solutions: ?

all i could conclude from this was
1 1 a 1
0 1 -2 -2
0 0 (2-a) -1
don't know what to do next i have tried different questions, don't understand :/

To start with, you can find where you are going to have unique solutions by evaluating the determinant of your coefficient matrix. For all values of a that give a nonzero determinant, you will have unique solutions.
 
  • #3
Prove It said:
To start with, you can find where you are going to have unique solutions by evaluating the determinant of your coefficient matrix. For all values of a that give a nonzero determinant, you will have unique solutions.

so in other words if i write this is this correct?
No solutions: when a = 2
Unique solution: when a not equal to 2
Infinite Many solutions: Never
 

FAQ: Solving a system of linear equations with one unknown value

How do you solve a system of linear equations with one unknown value?

To solve a system of linear equations with one unknown value, you need to have two equations with the same unknown variable. You can then use the substitution or elimination method to find the value of the unknown variable.

What is the substitution method for solving a system of linear equations?

The substitution method involves solving one of the equations for one variable and then substituting that expression into the other equation. This allows you to solve for the remaining variable and find the value of the unknown variable.

How does the elimination method work for solving a system of linear equations?

The elimination method involves eliminating one variable by adding or subtracting the equations. You need to manipulate the equations so that the coefficients of one variable are opposites, and then you can add the equations together to eliminate that variable. You can then solve for the remaining variable and find the value of the unknown variable.

Can you solve a system of linear equations with one unknown value graphically?

Yes, you can solve a system of linear equations with one unknown value graphically. You can graph both equations on the same coordinate plane and find the point of intersection, which represents the solution of the system. The x-coordinate of the point of intersection is the value of the unknown variable.

What is the importance of solving a system of linear equations with one unknown value?

Solving a system of linear equations with one unknown value is important because it allows you to find the value of an unknown variable in a system of equations. This can be useful in real-world applications, such as solving for unknown prices in a business setting or finding the intersection point of two lines in geometry.

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