16Hit1600
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?

  1. A. 20Correct
  2. B. 24
  3. C. Any value of k gives a solution.
  4. 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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