ACT Math · Systems of equations

How many solutions does the system 2x + 3y = 6 and 4x + 6y = 18 have?

How many solutions does the system 2x+3y=62x + 3y = 6 and 4x+6y=184x + 6y = 18 have?

Answer and explanation

Answer: D: 0

Multiply the first equation by 22: 4x+6y=124x+6y=12. The second equation says 4x+6y=184x+6y=18. The same expression cannot equal both 1212 and 1818, so the system is inconsistent, with no solution, choice D. Graphically, both lines have slope −23-\frac{2}{3} but different intercepts, so they are parallel and never meet. Choice A (infinitely many) would happen only if the second equation were 4x+6y=124x+6y=12, the same line. Choices B and C would require lines with different slopes, since two distinct lines cross at most once.

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