Question bank / Systems of two linear equations in two variables

Math · AlgebraMedium

y=4x−3y = 4x - 3
2y=kx+102y = kx + 10
In the system of equations, kk is a constant. For what value of kk does the system have no solution?

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Answer: 8

Divide the second equation by 22: y=k2x+5y = \frac{k}{2}x + 5. A system of two linear equations has no solution when the lines are parallel and distinct, with equal slopes and different yy-intercepts. The yy-intercepts, −3-3 and 55, are already different, so set the slopes equal: k2=4\frac{k}{2} = 4, which gives k=8k = 8.

Answering 44 matches kk to the first slope without first dividing the second equation by 22.

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