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# Determining the Type of Linear System

## Identify consistent, inconsistent, and dependent systems

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Determining the Type of Linear System

What if you were given a system of equations like \begin{align*}2x + y = -1\end{align*} and \begin{align*}3x - 2y = -5\end{align*}? How could you use the solution to this system to determine if the system is consistent, inconsistent, or dependent? After completing this Concept, you'll be able to determine the type of a system algebraically.

### Guidance

A third option for identifying systems as consistent, inconsistent or dependent is to just solve the system and use the result as a guide.

#### Example A

Solve the following system of equations. Identify the system as consistent, inconsistent or dependent.

Solution

Let’s solve this system using the substitution method.

Solve the second equation for \begin{align*}y\end{align*}:

Substitute that expression for \begin{align*}y\end{align*} in the first equation:

Substitute the value of \begin{align*}x\end{align*} back into the second equation and solve for \begin{align*}y\end{align*}:

The solution to the system is \begin{align*}\left ( \frac{15}{8}, \frac{21}{4} \right )\end{align*}. The system is consistent since it has only one solution.

#### Example B

Solve the following system of equations. Identify the system as consistent, inconsistent or dependent.

Solution

Let’s solve this system by the method of multiplication.

Multiply the first equation by 3:

If our solution to a system turns out to be a statement that is not true, then the system doesn’t really have a solution; it is inconsistent.

#### Example C

Solve the following system of equations. Identify the system as consistent, inconsistent or dependent.

Solution

Let’s solve this system by substitution.

Solve the first equation for \begin{align*}y\end{align*}:

Substitute this expression for \begin{align*}y\end{align*} in the second equation:

This statement is always true.

If our solution to a system turns out to be a statement that is always true, then the system is dependent.

A second glance at the system in this example reveals that the second equation is three times the first equation, so the two lines are identical. The system has an infinite number of solutions because they are really the same equation and trace out the same line.

Let’s clarify this statement. An infinite number of solutions does not mean that any ordered pair \begin{align*}(x, y)\end{align*} satisfies the system of equations. Only ordered pairs that solve the equation in the system (either one of the equations) are also solutions to the system. There are infinitely many of these solutions to the system because there are infinitely many points on any one line.

For example, (1, -1) is a solution to the system in this example, and so is (-1, 7). Each of them fits both the equations because both equations are really the same equation. But (3, 5) doesn’t fit either equation and is not a solution to the system.

In fact, for every \begin{align*}x-\end{align*}value there is just one \begin{align*}y-\end{align*}value that fits both equations, and for every \begin{align*}y-\end{align*}value there is exactly one \begin{align*}x-\end{align*}value—just as there is for a single line.

Watch this video for help with the Examples above.

### Vocabulary

• A consistent system will always give exactly one solution.
• An inconsistent system will yield a statement that is always false (like \begin{align*}0 = 13\end{align*}).
• A dependent system will yield a statement that is always true (like \begin{align*}9 = 9\end{align*}).

### Guided Practice

Identify the system as consistent, inconsistent, or consistent-dependent.

Solution: Because both equations are in standard form, elimination is the best method to solve this system.

Multiply the first equation by 3.

Subtract the two equations.

This is an untrue statement; therefore, you can conclude:

1. These lines are parallel.
2. The system has no solution.
3. The system is inconsistent.

### Practice

Find the solution of each system of equations using the method of your choice. State if the system is inconsistent or dependent.