Question

Consider this system of linear equations:

y = –3x + 5

y = mx + b

Which values of m and b will create a system of linear equations with no solution?

m = –3 and b = –3
m = 5 and b = –3
m = 3 and b = 5
m = -3 and b = 5

Answer 1

No solution occurs when the lines are parallel but not identical, i.e. slopes equal and y-intercepts different. So m = -3 and b ≠ 5. From the choices, m = –3 and b = –3.