Frequently Asked Questions
-
I was given only one equation, but it has 2 (or
3, 4,...) variables. What does this mean? This means that the
system has infinitely many solutions! For example, one equation in 2 unknowns
has a straight line in the plane as its solution set.
-
After going through the elimination method, I
ended up with fewer equations than unknowns. What does this mean?
Again, it means that the system has infinitely many solutions. For example,
2 equations in 3 unknowns has a plane in 3-space as its solution set.
-
After going through the elimination process, 2
of my equations are identical - what do I do now? Just use one
of them. You now have one less equation than you started out with.
-
2 equations contradict each other. What does this
mean? This means that the system has no solution at all. It
is inconsistent.