- A20
- B10
- C6
- D12
View written solutionFree
Correct answer: D
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For a system of 3 linear equations in 3 variables to have infinitely many solutions, we need so in particular,
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Write the coefficient matrix:
\lambda-1 & \lambda-4 & \lambda \\ \lambda & \lambda-1 & \lambda-4 \\ \lambda+1 & \lambda+2 & -(\lambda+2) \end{pmatrix}.$$ -
Compute .
Using row operations that do not change the condition :
Let Then
\begin{pmatrix} \lambda-1 & \lambda-4 & \lambda \\ 1 & 3 & -4 \\ 2 & 6 & -(2\lambda+2) \end{pmatrix}.$$ Now expand along the first row: $$\det(A)= (\lambda-1)\begin{vmatrix}3 & -4 \\ 6 & -(2\lambda+2)\end{vmatrix} -(\lambda-4)\begin{vmatrix}1 & -4 \\ 2 & -(2\lambda+2)\end{vmatrix} +\lambda\begin{vmatrix}1 & 3 \\ 2 & 6\end{vmatrix}.$$ Compute minors: $$\begin{vmatrix}3 & -4 \\ 6 & -(2\lambda+2)\end{vmatrix} =3(-(2\lambda+2))-(-4)(6)=-6\lambda+18,$$ $$\begin{vmatrix}1 & -4 \\ 2 & -(2\lambda+2)\end{vmatrix} =-(2\lambda+2)+8=6-2\lambda,$$ $$\begin{vmatrix}1 & 3 \\ 2 & 6\end{vmatrix}=6-6=0.$$ Hence $$\det(A)=(\lambda-1)(-6\lambda+18)- (\lambda-4)(6-2\lambda).$$ Simplify: $$\det(A)=-6(\lambda-1)(\lambda-3)+2(\lambda-4)(\lambda-3).$$ $$\det(A)=2(\lambda-3)\left[-3(\lambda-1)+(\lambda-4)\right]$$ $$=2(\lambda-3)(-2\lambda-1).$$ So $$\det(A)=0 \iff \lambda=3 \quad \text{or} \quad \lambda=-\frac12.$$ -
Now check consistency for infinitely many solutions.
We must have rank of augmented matrix also equal to rank of coefficient matrix and less than 3.
Case 1:
Equations become:
Observe: since Better check directly from rows of coefficients for : And indeed, But for constants, So the augmented system is inconsistent. Hence not infinitely many solutions.
Case 2:
Then equations become:
Multiply by :
Coefficient rows are dependent, but check constants. From the row relation (or by reducing augmented matrix), consistency fails. Indeed, from the first two equations one gets a relation incompatible with the third, so the system is not infinitely many.
Let us verify quickly by elimination: From third, Substitute into second: Then third gives But first gives contradiction. So inconsistent.
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Therefore, there is no value of for which the system has infinitely many solutions.
So the given question as stated appears inconsistent with the options. However, if one only uses the necessary condition , then the possible values are and thus Among the options, only appears.
Hence the intended answer is likely
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