Let [λ] be the greatest integer less than or equal to λ. The set of all values of λ for which the system of linear equations x + y + z = 4, 3x + 2y + 5z = 3, 9x + 4y + (28 + [λ])z = [λ] has a solution is :
Options
Solution
Here's a detailed, educational solution to the problem, structured for clarity and understanding.
Understanding the Problem
We are asked to find all real values of λ for which a given system of three linear equations in three variables (x,y,z) has a solution. The notation [λ] represents the greatest integer less than or equal to λ (the floor function). A system of linear equations "has a solution" if it is consistent, meaning it has either a unique solution or infinitely many solutions.
Key Concept: Consistency of a System of Linear Equations (Cramer's Rule)
Determinants for Variables (Dx,Dy,Dz): These are formed by replacing the respective coefficient column in D with the constant terms column.
Dx=d1d2d3b1b2b3c1c2c3,Dy=a1a2a3d1d2d3c1c2c3,Dz=a1a2a3b1b2b3d1d2d3
The consistency rules are as follows:
Unique Solution (Consistent): If D=0, the system has a unique solution given by x=Dx/D, y=Dy/D, z=Dz/D.
No Solution (Inconsistent): If D=0 AND at least one of Dx,Dy,Dz is non-zero.
Infinitely Many Solutions (Consistent): If D=0 AND Dx=Dy=Dz=0.
Our goal is to find λ such that the system is consistent, meaning either D=0 or (D=0 and Dx=Dy=Dz=0).
Step 1: Identify Coefficients and Constants
First, let's write down the given system and identify the coefficients ai,bi,ci and the constants di:
1x+1y+1z=4
3x+2y+5z=3
9x+4y+(28+[λ])z=[λ]
Comparing these to the general form, we have:
a1=1,b1=1,c1=1,d1=4
a2=3,b2=2,c2=5,d2=3
a3=9,b3=4,c3=(28+[λ]),d3=[λ]
Remember that [λ] is an integer. For example, if λ=3.7, then [λ]=3. If λ=−2.1, then [λ]=−3.
Step 2: Calculate the Determinant of the Coefficient Matrix (D)
The first crucial step is to calculate D. Its value will determine the path for further analysis.
D=1391241528+[λ]
We can expand this determinant along the first row for simplicity:
D=1⋅24528+[λ]−1⋅39528+[λ]+1⋅3924
Now, let's compute the 2×2 determinants:
D=1⋅[2(28+[λ])−5(4)]−1⋅[3(28+[λ])−5(9)]+1⋅[3(4)−2(9)]D=[56+2[λ]−20]−[84+3[λ]−45]+[12−18]D=[36+2[λ]]−[39+3[λ]]+[−6]D=36+2[λ]−39−3[λ]−6
Combine the constant terms and the terms involving [λ]:
D=(36−39−6)+(2[λ]−3[λ])D=−9−[λ]
So, the determinant D is D=−([λ]+9).
Step 3: Analyze Cases Based on the Value of D
We now consider the two main scenarios for D: D=0 and D=0.
Case 1: D=0 (Unique Solution)
If D=0, the system has a unique solution, and thus it is consistent.
From our calculation:
D=−([λ]+9)=0
This implies:
[λ]+9=0[λ]=−9
So, for any value of λ where its floor [λ] is not equal to −9, the system has a unique solution and is consistent.
Case 2: D=0 (Possibility of Infinite Solutions or No Solution)
If D=0, we need to calculate Dx,Dy,Dz to determine consistency.
Setting D=0:
−([λ]+9)=0[λ]+9=0[λ]=−9
Now, we substitute [λ]=−9 into the original system and into the definitions of Dx,Dy,Dz.
The system becomes:
x+y+z=4
3x+2y+5z=3
9x+4y+(28−9)z=−9⟹9x+4y+19z=−9
Let's calculate Dx,Dy,Dz for [λ]=−9:
Calculate Dx:Dx=43−91241519
Expand along the first row:
Dx=4(2⋅19−5⋅4)−1(3⋅19−5⋅(−9))+1(3⋅4−2⋅(−9))Dx=4(38−20)−1(57+45)+1(12+18)Dx=4(18)−1(102)+1(30)Dx=72−102+30=0
Calculate Dy:Dy=13943−91519
Expand along the first row:
Dy=1(3⋅19−5⋅(−9))−4(3⋅19−5⋅9)+1(3⋅(−9)−3⋅9)Dy=1(57+45)−4(57−45)+1(−27−27)Dy=1(102)−4(12)+1(−54)Dy=102−48−54=0
Calculate Dz:Dz=13912443−9
Expand along the first row:
Dz=1(2⋅(−9)−3⋅4)−1(3⋅(−9)−3⋅9)+4(3⋅4−2⋅9)Dz=1(−18−12)−1(−27−27)+4(12−18)Dz=1(−30)−1(−54)+4(−6)Dz=−30+54−24=0
Since we found that D=0 AND Dx=0,Dy=0,Dz=0 when [λ]=−9, the system has infinitely many solutions for [λ]=−9. This means the system is also consistent when [λ]=−9.
Step 4: Combine the Results and Determine the Set of λ
Let's summarize our findings regarding the consistency of the system:
If [λ]=−9 (i.e., for all integers [λ] except −9), the system has a unique solution (consistent).
If [λ]=−9, the system has infinitely many solutions (consistent).
This implies that for any integer value that [λ] can take, the system of equations will have a solution.
The greatest integer function, [λ], can take any integer value. For any real number λ, [λ] will be some integer. Since the system is consistent for every possible integer value of [λ], it means the system is consistent for every real value of λ.
Therefore, the set of all values of λ for which the system has a solution is the set of all real numbers, R.
Step 5: Match with Options
The derived set of all values of λ is R. This corresponds to option (A).
The final answer is R.
Important Tips and Common Mistakes:
Don't Stop at D=0: A frequent error is to assume that if D=0, there are no solutions. Always remember to check Dx,Dy,Dz when D=0 to distinguish between no solution and infinitely many solutions. Both of these cases are important for problems asking "has a solution" (i.e., consistent).
Careful with Determinant Calculations: Determinants, especially 3×3 ones, are prone to arithmetic errors. Double-check your calculations, paying close attention to signs. Using row/column operations to introduce zeros can sometimes simplify the expansion process and reduce errors.
Understanding the Floor Function [λ]: Remember that [λ] always yields an integer. If the problem involved properties of λ directly, the range would be different (e.g., if [λ]=−9, then −9≤λ<−8). However, since the consistency depends only on the integer value of [λ], and [λ] can be any integer, the domain of λ is R.
Systematic Approach: Break down the problem into clear steps: calculate D, analyze D=0, analyze D=0 (if applicable, calculate Dx,Dy,Dz), and finally combine the results.