9
algebra

Which system has exactly one solution?

I. {y=3x+1y=3x2\begin{cases} y = 3x + 1 \\ y = 3x - 2 \end{cases}

II. {y=3x+1y=3x+1\begin{cases} y = 3x + 1 \\ y = -3x + 1 \end{cases}

III. {y=3x+13y=9x+3\begin{cases} y = 3x + 1 \\ 3y = 9x + 3 \end{cases}

A

I only

B

II only

C

III only

D

II and III only

Correct Answer: B

Choice B is the correct answer. Let's analyze each system:

System I: y=3x+1y = 3x + 1 and y=3x2y = 3x - 2

  • Same slope (3), different y-intercepts
  • Parallel lines → No solution

System II: y=3x+1y = 3x + 1 and y=3x+1y = -3x + 1

  • Different slopes (3 and -3)
  • Intersecting linesExactly one solution

System III: y=3x+1y = 3x + 1 and 3y=9x+33y = 9x + 3

  • Divide second by 3: y=3x+1y = 3x + 1
  • Same line → Infinitely many solutions

Conclusion: Only System II has exactly one solution.

💡 Strategic Tip: Different slopes guarantee exactly one solution (lines must intersect).

Choice A is incorrect because System I has no solution (parallel lines).

Choice C is incorrect because System III has infinitely many solutions.

Choice D is incorrect because System III has infinitely many solutions, not one.