AlgebraVery hardValue of a constant for no solution
Algebra practice question
The system 3x + 2y = 12 and 6x + 4y = k has no solution. Which of the following could be the value of k?
- A. 20Correct
- B. 24
- C. Any value of k gives a solution.
- D. There is no such value of k.
Answer: A. 20
Doubling the first equation gives 6x + 4y = 24. For k = 24 the lines coincide; for any other k, such as 20, they are parallel and distinct: no solution.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. 24
- k = 24 makes the equations identical — infinitely many solutions.
- C. Any value of k gives a solution.
- Every k except 24 gives no solution.
- D. There is no such value of k.
- Every value of k except 24 gives no solution, so such values exist.
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