6
algebra

How many solutions does this system have? {x+y=52x+2y=10\begin{cases} x + y = 5 \\ 2x + 2y = 10 \end{cases}

A

No solution

B

Infinitely many solutions

C

Exactly one solution

D

Exactly three solutions

Correct Answer: B

Choice B is the correct answer. Let's check if one equation is a multiple of the other.

Step 1: Multiply the first equation by 2: 2(x+y)=2(5)2(x + y) = 2(5)2x+2y=102x + 2y = 10

This is exactly the second equation!

Step 2: Since both equations represent the same line, any point that satisfies one equation automatically satisfies the other.

Conclusion: Infinitely many solutions

Examples of solutions: (0,5)(0, 5), (1,4)(1, 4), (2,3)(2, 3), (3,2)(3, 2), (4,1)(4, 1), (5,0)(5, 0), and infinitely more.

💡 Strategic Tip: Coincident lines (same line) have infinitely many solutions.

Choice A is incorrect because no solution occurs only with parallel lines that don't overlap.

Choice C is incorrect because exactly one solution occurs only when lines intersect at a single point.

Choice D is incorrect because linear equations cannot have exactly three solutions.