16Hit1600
AlgebraHardSecond equation for infinitely many solutions

Algebra practice question

A system of two linear equations in x and y has infinitely many solutions. One of the equations is 3x − y = 7. Which of the following could be the other equation?

  1. A. 6x − 2y = 14Correct
  2. B. 6x − 2y = 7
  3. C. 3x + y = 7
  4. D. −3x + y = 7

Answer: A. 6x − 2y = 14

Infinitely many solutions means the two equations describe the same line — one is a multiple of the other. 6x − 2y = 14 is exactly 2 times 3x − y = 7.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. 6x − 2y = 7
The left side is doubled but the right side isn't: a parallel line, so NO solutions.
C. 3x + y = 7
3x + y = 7 has a different slope (−3 instead of 3); the lines cross once.
D. −3x + y = 7
−3x + y = 7 is 3x − y = −7, parallel to the given line: no solutions.

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