The GMAT Sample Math question given below is from the topic Linear Equations and tests fundamental properties of a system of linear equations.
For what values of 'k' will the pair of equations 3x + 4y = 12 and kx + 12y = 30 not have a unique solution?
- 12
- 9
- 3
- 7.5
- 2.5
The correct choice is (B) and the correct answer is
9.
A system of linear equations ax + by + c = 0 and dx + ey + g = 0 will have a unique solution if the two lines represented by the equations ax + by + c = 0 and dx + ey + g = 0 intersect at a point.
That is, if they are not parallel lines. i.e., the two lines should have different slopes.
ax + by + c = 0 and dx + ey + g = 0 will not represent two parallel lines if their slopes are different.
i.e., when
In the question given above, a = 3, b = 4, d = k and e = 12.
Therefore,
or 'k' should not be equal 9 for the pair of equations to have a unique solution.
In other words, when k = 9, the system of equation will not have any solution as the two lines represented by the equations will be parallel lines.
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