If the system of linear equations x + y + z = 5 x + 2y + 2z = 6 x + 3y + λz = μ, (λ, μ∈ R), has infinitely many solutions, then the value of λ + μ is :
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Solution
Here's a clear, educational, and well-structured solution to the problem:
1. Understanding the Conditions for Infinitely Many Solutions
For a system of linear equations in three variables x,y,z:
⎩⎨⎧a1x+b1y+c1z=d1a2x+b2y+c2z=d2a3x+b3y+c3z=d3
We use Cramer's Rule to determine the nature of solutions, which relies on four determinants:
Coefficient Determinant (Δ): This is the determinant of the coefficients of x,y,z.
Δ=a1a2a3b1b2b3c1c2c3
Δx: Formed by replacing the x-coefficient column in Δ with the constant terms.
Δx=d1d2d3b1b2b3c1c2c3
Δy: Formed by replacing the y-coefficient column in Δ with the constant terms.
Δy=a1a2a3d1d2d3c1c2c3
Δz: Formed by replacing the z-coefficient column in Δ with the constant terms.
Δz=a1a2a3b1b2b3d1d2d3
The conditions for the nature of solutions are:
Unique Solution: If Δ=0.
No Solution (Inconsistent): If Δ=0 and at least one of Δx,Δy,Δz is non-zero.
Infinitely Many Solutions (Consistent): If Δ=0 AND Δx=0 AND Δy=0 AND Δz=0.
In this problem, we are given that the system has infinitely many solutions. Therefore, we must satisfy the condition that all four determinants are equal to zero: Δ=0, Δx=0, Δy=0, and Δz=0.
2. Setting Up the Determinants for the Given System
The given system of linear equations is:
x+y+z=5
x+2y+2z=6
x+3y+λz=μ
From these equations, we can write down the four determinants:
Coefficient Determinant (Δ):Δ=11112312λ
Δx:Δx=56μ12312λ
Δy:Δy=11156μ12λ
Δz:Δz=11112356μ
3. Calculating Δ and Finding λ
The first step for infinitely many solutions is Δ=0. Let's calculate Δ:
Δ=11112312λ
To simplify the calculation, we can perform row operations. Subtract R1 from R2 and R1 from R3:
(R2→R2−R1) and (R3→R3−R1)
Δ=11−11−112−13−112−1λ−1=10011211λ−1
Now, expand the determinant along the first column (since it has two zeros, simplifying the calculation):
Δ=1⋅121λ−1−0+0Δ=1⋅((1)(λ−1)−(1)(2))Δ=(λ−1−2)=λ−3
Since the system has infinitely many solutions, we must have Δ=0:
λ−3=0⟹λ=3
4. Calculating Δx,Δy,Δz and Finding μ
Now that we have λ=3, we need to ensure that Δx=0, Δy=0, and Δz=0. We can use any one of these conditions to find μ.
Calculate Δx with λ=3:Δx=56μ123123
Observe that the second column (C2) and the third column (C3) are identical. A property of determinants states that if any two rows or columns are identical, the determinant is zero.
Therefore, Δx=0 for any value of μ. This means Δx=0 does not help us find μ. We must proceed to Δy or Δz.
Calculate Δy with λ=3:Δy=11156μ123
Again, we perform row operations to simplify:
(R2→R2−R1) and (R3→R3−R1)
Δy=10051μ−5112
Expand along the first column:
Δy=1⋅1μ−512−0+0Δy=(1)(2)−(1)(μ−5)Δy=2−μ+5=7−μ
For infinitely many solutions, we must have Δy=0:
7−μ=0⟹μ=7
(Optional Check) Calculate Δz with λ=3 and μ=7:
Let's verify that Δz also becomes zero with these values.
Δz=111123567
Perform row operations:
(R2→R2−R1) and (R3→R3−R1)
Δz=100112512
Observe that the third row (R3) is twice the second row (R2) (R3=2R2). When two rows or columns are proportional, the determinant is zero.
Thus, Δz=0, which confirms our values of λ=3 and μ=7.
5. Finding the Value of λ+μ
We have found λ=3 and μ=7.
The question asks for the value of λ+μ.
λ+μ=3+7=10
Tips for Success & Common Mistakes:
Systematic Approach: Always start by calculating Δ. If Δ=0, it's a unique solution, and you don't need to check other determinants.
Check All Conditions: For infinitely many solutions, all four determinants (Δ,Δx,Δy,Δz) must be zero. If one of them is non-zero (while Δ=0), the system has no solution.
Simplifying Determinants: Use row/column operations (like Ri→Ri−kRj) to introduce zeros in a row or column, which greatly simplifies expansion. Remember these operations do not change the value of the determinant.
Identical/Proportional Rows/Columns: Keep an eye out for identical or proportional rows/columns, as this immediately implies the determinant is zero. This saved us work for Δx and Δz.
Calculation Errors: Determinant calculations can be prone to sign errors or arithmetic mistakes. Double-check your work, especially when dealing with parameters.
Summary and Key Takeaway
For a system of linear equations to have infinitely many solutions, the determinant of the coefficient matrix (Δ) and all the auxiliary determinants (Δx,Δy,Δz) must be zero. By systematically applying these conditions, we found λ=3 and μ=7, leading to λ+μ=10.