Math Problem Statement

Determine the values of a and b for which the following system of linear equations has infinite solutions: 2x – (a – 4) y = 2b + 1; 4x – (a – 1) y = 5b – 1

Solution

To determine the values of aa and bb for which the given system of linear equations has infinitely many solutions, we need to make sure that the two equations are dependent, meaning they represent the same line.

The given system of equations is:

  1. 2x(a4)y=2b+12x - (a - 4)y = 2b + 1
  2. 4x(a1)y=5b14x - (a - 1)y = 5b - 1

First, we rewrite both equations in the standard form ax+by+c=0ax + by + c = 0.

  1. The first equation: 2x(a4)y(2b+1)=02x - (a - 4)y - (2b + 1) = 0

    Here, the coefficients are: a1=2,b1=(a4),c1=(2b+1)a_1 = 2, \quad b_1 = -(a - 4), \quad c_1 = -(2b + 1)

  2. The second equation: 4x(a1)y(5b1)=04x - (a - 1)y - (5b - 1) = 0

    Here, the coefficients are: a2=4,b2=(a1),c2=(5b1)a_2 = 4, \quad b_2 = -(a - 1), \quad c_2 = -(5b - 1)

For the system to have infinitely many solutions, the ratios of the corresponding coefficients must be equal:

a1a2=b1b2=c1c2\frac{a_1}{a_2} = \frac{b_1}{b_2} = \frac{c_1}{c_2}

Substituting the values:

24=(a4)(a1)=(2b+1)(5b1)\frac{2}{4} = \frac{-(a - 4)}{-(a - 1)} = \frac{-(2b + 1)}{-(5b - 1)}

Let's solve these equations:

1. Solving 24=(a4)(a1)\frac{2}{4} = \frac{-(a - 4)}{-(a - 1)}:

12=a4a1\frac{1}{2} = \frac{a - 4}{a - 1}

Cross-multiplying gives:

a4=12(a1)a - 4 = \frac{1}{2}(a - 1)

Multiply through by 2 to eliminate the fraction:

2(a4)=a12(a - 4) = a - 1

Expanding and solving for aa:

2a8=a12a - 8 = a - 1

2aa=812a - a = 8 - 1

a=7a = 7

2. Solving (a4)(a1)=(2b+1)(5b1)\frac{-(a - 4)}{-(a - 1)} = \frac{-(2b + 1)}{-(5b - 1)}:

Since we already know a=7a = 7, substitute this into the equation:

(74)(71)=(2b+1)(5b1)\frac{-(7 - 4)}{-(7 - 1)} = \frac{-(2b + 1)}{-(5b - 1)}

Simplifying:

36=(2b+1)(5b1)\frac{-3}{-6} = \frac{-(2b + 1)}{-(5b - 1)}

12=2b+15b1\frac{1}{2} = \frac{2b + 1}{5b - 1}

Cross-multiplying gives:

5b+1=4b+25b + 1 = 4b + 2

Solving for bb:

5b4b=215b - 4b = 2 - 1

b=1b = 1

Final Answer:

The system of linear equations will have infinitely many solutions for a=7\boxed{a = 7} and b=1\boxed{b = 1}.


Would you like more details or have any questions? Here are some related questions to consider:

  1. How do the coefficients influence the number of solutions in a system of equations?
  2. What happens if the value of aa or bb changes slightly?
  3. Can we find a unique solution for different values of aa and bb?
  4. How can the concept of determinants help in analyzing this system?
  5. What does it mean for two lines to be dependent geometrically?

Tip: Always check each ratio when determining conditions for infinite solutions; any inconsistency can indicate no solutions instead.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Linear Equations
Dependent Systems of Equations

Formulas

Standard form of a linear equation
Ratio of coefficients

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

High School