Linear Independence: det[v, u, w] = 0 iff k ≠ ___?

[snoggerT]

the vectors: v= [-5, -8, 7], u= [2, 4, (-17+k)] and w= [2, 7, 1]
are linearly independent if and only if k does not equal ___?

- note that the vectors are supposed to be setup vertically with only one column and 3 rows.



det[v, u, w]

The Attempt at a Solution

- I tried setting up the determinant = 0 and then solving for k, but that doesn't seem to give me the right answer. I'm really not sure where to go with this type of problem. Please help.

 

[Dick]

Your method is correct. You should get a simple linear equation to solve for k. What did you get?

 

[snoggerT]

Nevermind. I had my sign wrong. It was 15. Thanks for the help.