What Values of c Result in No Solutions for This Linear System?

In summary, to find the values of c where the system has no solutions, we can manipulate the augmented matrix using elementary row/column operations to make the bottom row all zeroes except for the right hand side of the equality. This condition is necessary for the system to have no solutions, as shown by the reduced row echelon form.
  • #1
azupol
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http://www.scribd.com/doc/66759813/mat223tut1"
Question 2 and 3

Homework Statement


For what values of c does the system have no solutions? I figured out the other ones, for c=0 we can assign a parameter to x1 and it will then have infinite solutions. For c=1 the system will have a unique solution. I know that if the matrix is in reduced row echelon form, and if the last row is all zeroes except for the right hand side of the equality, it has no solutions, but how can I manipulate the augmented matrix to make it so?

Homework Equations


Here is the augmented matrix:
1 1 3|c
c 1 5|4
1 c 4|c

The Attempt at a Solution


I can use elementary row/column operations, but I end up with this matrix in trying to make the bottom row 0...

1 1 3 |c
0 (1-c) (5-3c) |-c2+4
0 (c-1) 1 |-c2
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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  • #2
azupol said:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/66759813/mat223tut1"
Question 2 and 3

Homework Statement


For what values of c does the system have no solutions? I figured out the other ones, for c=0 we can assign a parameter to x1 and it will then have infinite solutions. For c=1 the system will have a unique solution. I know that if the matrix is in reduced row echelon form, and if the last row is all zeroes except for the right hand side of the equality, it has no solutions, but how can I manipulate the augmented matrix to make it so?

Homework Equations


Here is the augmented matrix:
1 1 3|c
c 1 5|4
1 c 4|c


The Attempt at a Solution


I can use elementary row/column operations, but I end up with this matrix in trying to make the bottom row 0...

1 1 3 |c
0 (1-c) (5-3c) |-c2+4
0 (c-1) 1 |-c2

You have a mistake in your bottom row. You should have this:
1 1 3 |c
0 (1-c) (5-3c) |-c2+4
0 (c-1) 1 |0
 
Last edited by a moderator:

FAQ: What Values of c Result in No Solutions for This Linear System?

What is a system of linear equations?

A system of linear equations is a set of two or more equations that contain two or more variables. The solution to the system is the set of values for the variables that make all of the equations true simultaneously.

How do you solve a system of linear equations?

There are several methods for solving a system of linear equations, including substitution, elimination, and graphing. The most common method is using Gaussian elimination, which involves using elementary row operations to reduce the system to an equivalent system with fewer equations and variables. Once the system is in row-echelon form, the solution can be easily determined.

Can a system of linear equations have no solution?

Yes, a system of linear equations can have no solution. This occurs when the equations are inconsistent, meaning there is no set of values for the variables that makes all of the equations true. Graphically, this is represented by parallel lines that do not intersect.

How many solutions can a system of linear equations have?

A system of linear equations can have one solution, no solutions, or infinitely many solutions. The number of solutions is determined by the number of equations and variables in the system and the relationship between them. For example, a system with the same number of equations and variables and no inconsistencies will have exactly one solution.

What real-world applications use systems of linear equations?

Systems of linear equations are used in various fields such as engineering, economics, and physics to model real-world situations. For example, in engineering, they can be used to determine the optimal production levels for a company, while in physics, they can be used to solve problems involving motion and forces. They are also used in data analysis, such as linear regression, to find the best-fit line for a set of data points.

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