AlgebraVery hardSystems with no solution
Algebra practice question
For what value of c does the system 3x − 2y = 8 and 9x + cy = 5 have no solution?
- A. −6Correct
- B. −3
- C. 3
- D. 6
Answer: A. −6
No solution means the lines are parallel: equal slopes, different intercepts. Scaling the first equation by 3 gives 9x − 6y = 24, so matching coefficients requires c = −6 (and 24 ≠ 5 confirms no solution). Choice D (6) uses the wrong sign on the y-coefficient.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. −3
- You got the scale factor right (9 ÷ 3 = 3) but then attached it to the wrong number — you need to multiply the −2 by 3, giving c = −6, not just carry over the 3 with a minus sign.
- C. 3
- That's the scale factor between the equations (9 ÷ 3 = 3), not the new y-coefficient. Multiply the entire first equation by 3: 3x − 2y = 8 becomes 9x − 6y = 24, so c = −6.
- D. 6
- You found the right magnitude but lost the sign: 3 × (−2) = −6, not +6.
More Algebra questions
- Very hard
In the system 5x + 4y = 32 and 3x − 2y = 6, what is the value of 8x + 2y? - Very hard
The solution set of the inequality |ax − b| ≤ 6, where a and b are constants and a > 0, is 3 ≤ x ≤ 9. What is … - Very hard
The function f is linear, and for every value of x, f(x + 2) − f(x) = 6. If f(5) = 4, what is the value of f(0… - Very hard
In the system of equations 2x + 3y = 12 and 5x − 2y = k, where k is a constant, the solution (x, y) satisfies … - Very hard
In the xy-plane, the system of equations kx + 6y = 12 and 2x + (k − 1)y = 6, where k is a constant, has infini… - Very hard
What is the value of t?
Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.