Ask your own question, for FREE!
Mathematics 41 Online
OpenStudy (anonymous):

How will I know when an equation has infinitely many solutions?

OpenStudy (anonymous):

when the equations are equal to eachother.

OpenStudy (anonymous):

I would I explain that in 30 words?

OpenStudy (anonymous):

For the linear equation, \[y =mx+b\] , you have parallel lines if the slopes, m, are the same and the y-intercepts, b, are different. These parallel lines will lie on top of each other, creating an intersection for every value of x, when the slopes and y-intercepts are the same.

OpenStudy (anonymous):

Ok, I understand that. now the next part that I do not understand and know how to explain is when the equation has no solution?

OpenStudy (anonymous):

When the lines are parallel they will never touch. They will be spaced from eachother by a set distance from -infinity to infinity.

OpenStudy (anonymous):

I am not sure that I understand what that means? can you clarify?

OpenStudy (anonymous):

Imagine two lines with the same slope. Imagine that one of them crosses the y-axis at 1, and the other at 2. Although these lines have the same slope and point in the same direction, they will never touch. They will never Intersect each other. You get solutions when the graphs of your functions intersect. These intersections are solutions because the coordinates for each intersection are values that exist for each function simultaneously.

OpenStudy (anonymous):

Here, look at this. http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=graph+y%3D2x%2B2+and+y%3D2x%2B1

Can't find your answer? Make a FREE account and ask your own questions, OR help others and earn volunteer hours!

Join our real-time social learning platform and learn together with your friends!
Latest Questions
Bones: Matching pfps @alexis1415
18 minutes ago 37 Replies 3 Medals
Kaydi: Why won't my computer let me zoom in
4 hours ago 0 Replies 0 Medals
Jesslovesjess: My cramps are slowly killing me
1 minute ago 12 Replies 3 Medals
brianagatica14: Look at my view from my alley....
2 hours ago 7 Replies 3 Medals
Coco233: what do I do if I'm still inlove but he isn't ?
51 minutes ago 1 Reply 0 Medals
WalmartBag: dies
51 minutes ago 6 Replies 0 Medals
Obed55: I need serious relationship?
49 minutes ago 24 Replies 3 Medals
WalmartBag: can someone pls give me a proxy
7 hours ago 11 Replies 3 Medals
Can't find your answer? Make a FREE account and ask your own questions, OR help others and earn volunteer hours!

Join our real-time social learning platform and learn together with your friends!