How many solutions does the system of equations below have?

2x − 2y = 5
17x − 12y = 16

1 answer

To determine the number of solutions the system of equations has, we need to find the determinant of the coefficients of x and y in the system.

The determinant can be found using the formula:

det = ad - bc

where a, b, c, and d are the coefficients of the system.

In this case, the coefficients are:

a = 2
b = -2
c = 17
d = -12

Calculating the determinant:

det = (2)(-12) - (-2)(17)
= -24 + 34
= 10

Since the determinant is non-zero (10 ≠ 0), the system of equations has a unique solution. Therefore, the system has exactly one solution.