Question 7

If the system of linear equations
$$2x+ y+7z = a$$
$$6x-2y+11z = b$$
$$2x-y+3z = c$$ 
has infinite number of solutions, then $$a, b, c$$ must satisfy

Solution

Let's represent the system of linear equations
$$2x+ y+7z = a$$
$$6x-2y+11z = b$$
$$2x-y+3z = c$$ in the Matrix Equation form

$$\begin{bmatrix}2 & 1 &7 & a  \\6 & -2 & 11 & b &\\2 & -1 &3 & c \end{bmatrix}$$

Order of the matrix = 3

Now represent the matrix in echelon form 

$$\begin{bmatrix}2 & 1 &7 & a  \\0 & -5 & -10 & b-3a &\\0 & -2 &-4 & c-a \end{bmatrix}$$

$$\begin{bmatrix}2 & 1 &7 & a  \\6 & -2 & 11 & b &\\0 & 0 &0 & 5c-5a-2b+6a \end{bmatrix}$$

Rank of the matrix = No of Non-zero rows after transforming the matrix into echelon form

The system of linear equations will have infinite solutions only if Rank of the matrix is not equal to Order of the Matrix

$$\therefore$$ 5c-5a-2b+6a=0

a-2b+5c=0

D is the correct answer.


Create a FREE account and get:

  • All Quant Formulas and shortcuts PDF
  • 40+ previous papers with solutions PDF
  • Top 500 MBA exam Solved Questions for Free

cracku

Boost your Prep!

Download App