Solving linear equations with exactly one solution

Join the discussion
Ask a follow-up here, or get your own question answered by working scientists, mathematicians and engineers — people, not an autocomplete.
Real named experts · corrections over time · the nuance an AI answer skips
4 replies · 2K views
baki
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
1.Determine the value(s) of k for which the system of linear equations
x + 2y = 1
(k2)x - 2ky = 2
has exactly one solution 3.How do i solve this, i tried the 2x2 matrix
whereby, i had
|1 2|
|k2 -2k|
and tried to make [2 and k^2 = zero] and [-2k = one]
But I can't seem to solve it completely
is there another way we can do this?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
baki said:
[ b]1.Determine the value(s) of k for which the system of linear equations
x + 2y = 1
(k2)x - 2ky = 2
has exactly one solution [/b]

[ b]3.How do i solve this, i tried the 2x2 matrix
whereby, i had
|1 2|
|k2 -2k|
and tried to make [2 and k^2 = zero] and [-2k = one]
But I can't seem to solve it completely
is there another way we can do this?
[/b]
Try solving the system, as it is, for x & y.

See how k is involved in that solution.
 
I've tried that and there are 2 values of k, but don't you think when it says it has exactly one solution than it means k should have one value.
 
baki said:
I've tried that and there are 2 values of k, but don't you think when it says it has exactly one solution than it means k should have one value.
No.

It means, "What value or values may k have so that the system has one (x, y) solution?"