Does a homogenous system always have multiple solutions?

  • Thread starter Thread starter shiri
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    System
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of homogeneous systems of equations, specifically the implications of having infinitely many solutions for the system Ax = 0 and how that relates to the system Ax = b for a non-zero vector b.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the solutions of Ax = 0 and Ax = b, questioning whether the existence of infinite solutions for the former implies a similar outcome for the latter. They discuss various possibilities for the solutions of Ax = b, including the potential for one solution, no solutions, or infinite solutions.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants expressing differing views on the implications of the properties of homogeneous systems. Some participants are seeking clarification on the reasoning behind their assumptions, while others are questioning the validity of their conclusions regarding the number of solutions for Ax = b.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a homework assignment and are referencing specific choices provided by a teacher regarding the nature of solutions for the system Ax = b.

shiri
Messages
85
Reaction score
0
If a homogenous system Ax = 0 has infinitely many solutions, then for a non-zero vector b, the associated system Ax = b ____ have _______In my assignment, the answer I wrote on this question is must have many solutions. However, what I got is wrong.

Can anybody tell me why it is wrong?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
If Ax=0 gives infinite solutions and Ax=b => Ax≠ 0, why do you think it would give the same infinite number of solutions?
 
rock.freak667 said:
If Ax=0 gives infinite solutions and Ax=b => Ax≠ 0, why do you think it would give the same infinite number of solutions?

Well I am assuming there has to be many solutions since Ax=0 gives infinite solutions.

Plus, no solution or/and one solution sounds less appropriate than many solutions at the moment I answer the question.
 
rock.freak667 said:
If Ax=0 gives infinite solutions and Ax=b => Ax≠ 0, why do you think it would give the same infinite number of solutions?

Teacher gave me these choices:

A. may have exactly one solution
B. must have many solutions
C. must have either one solution or no solution
D. may have no solution
E. need not satisfy any of the above
 
shiri said:
Teacher gave me these choices:

A. may have exactly one solution
B. must have many solutions
C. must have either one solution or no solution
D. may have no solution
E. need not satisfy any of the above

For a system of equations written in the form Ax=b, you can have one solution, no solutions or infinite solutions.

You know for Ax=0 you have infinite solutions.

So for Ax≠ 0 would you still have infinite solutions?
 
rock.freak667 said:
For a system of equations written in the form Ax=b, you can have one solution, no solutions or infinite solutions.

You know for Ax=0 you have infinite solutions.

So for Ax≠ 0 would you still have infinite solutions?

I guess no. May have no solutions

Am I right?
 
shiri said:
I guess no. May have no solutions

Am I right?

or you can have one solution as well
 
rock.freak667 said:
or you can have one solution as well

one solution?

So it's C? must have either one solution or no solution?

why is that? Just curious
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
21
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
Replies
12
Views
2K