Concept/Theory
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A system of simultaneous linear equations is said to be consistent if it has at least one solution. For a system of two linear equations in two variables,
Step-by-step Plan
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Write the given equations in matrix form \(AX=B\).
Identify the coefficient matrix \(A\).
Calculate the determinant \(|A|\).
Check whether \(|A|\) is zero or non-zero.
Since a non-zero determinant implies a unique solution, conclude whether the system is consistent.
Complete Solution
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Given — system of equations:
\[ \begin{align} x+2y&=2 \tag{1}\\ 2x+3y&=3 \tag{2} \end{align} \]
- The coefficients of \(x\) and \(y\) form the coefficient matrix. Thus,\[A=\begin{bmatrix}1&2\\2&3\end{bmatrix}\]
- The variables form the column matrix\[X=\begin{bmatrix}x\\y\end{bmatrix},\]and the constant terms form\[B=\begin{bmatrix}2\\3\end{bmatrix}\]
- Therefore, the given system can be written in matrix form as\[\begin{bmatrix}1&2\\2&3\end{bmatrix}\begin{bmatrix}x\\y\end{bmatrix}=\begin{bmatrix}2\\3\end{bmatrix}\]
- For a system \(AX=B\), if\[|A|\neq0,\]then \(A\) is non-singular and the system has a unique solution. Hence, it is consistent.
- Now calculate the determinant of the coefficient matrix:\[|A|=\begin{vmatrix}1&2\\2&3\end{vmatrix}\]
- For a determinant of order \(2\),\[\begin{vmatrix}a&b\\c&d\end{vmatrix}=ad-bc\]
- Therefore,\[|A|=(1)(3)-(2)(2)\]
- Simplifying\[|A|=3-4\]
- Hence,\[|A|=-1\]
- Since\[|A|=-1\neq0,\]the coefficient matrix \(A\) is non-singular.
Therefore, the system has a unique solution.
A system having a unique solution is consistent.
Hence, the given system of equations is consistent.
Exam Significance
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This question tests an important application of determinants: determining the consistency of a system of linear equations. In a CBSE board examination, students should clearly identify the coefficient matrix and calculate its determinant without skipping the intermediate steps. The key conclusion is
Significance for Competitive Entrance Examinations
The determinant criterion is frequently useful in questions involving systems of linear equations, matrices, inverse matrices, and Cramer's Rule. For a two-variable system, recognizing immediately that a non-zero determinant of the coefficient matrix guarantees a unique solution can significantly reduce calculation time. The same idea extends naturally to higher-order systems.
Key Takeaways
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A system of linear equations can be expressed in matrix form as \(AX=B\).
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The coefficient matrix contains the coefficients of the variables.
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For a two-variable system, calculate the determinant using
\[ \begin{vmatrix} a&b\\ c&d \end{vmatrix}=ad-bc. \] -
If
\[ |A|\neq0, \]the coefficient matrix is non-singular. -
A non-singular coefficient matrix gives a unique solution.
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A system with a unique solution is consistent.
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For the present system,
\[ |A|=-1\neq0, \]so the system is consistent.