AlgebraVery hardCondition for no solution
Algebra practice question
The equation 3(2x − 5) = 6x + k, where k is a constant, has no solution. Which of the following must be true?
- A. k ≠ −15Correct
- B. k = −15
- C. k = 15
- D. k ≠ 15
Answer: A. k ≠ −15
Expand the left side: 6x − 15 = 6x + k. The 6x terms cancel, leaving −15 = k. If k = −15 the equation is true for EVERY x; for any other k it is never true, so there is no solution exactly when k ≠ −15.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. k = −15
- k = −15 gives −15 = −15, which is always true — infinitely many solutions, not none.
- C. k = 15
- k = 15 is one of the many values that give no solution, but it isn't the condition that MUST hold.
- D. k ≠ 15
- k ≠ 15 allows k = −15, which gives infinitely many solutions rather than none.
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