What does it mean if an equation has no solution?

1 answer

If an equation has no solution, it means that there are no values for the variable(s) in the equation that will make the equation true. This typically occurs in situations where the equation sets up a contradiction.

For example, consider the simple equation:

\[ x + 2 = x + 5 \]

If we attempt to solve for \( x \), we can subtract \( x \) from both sides:

\[ 2 = 5 \]

This statement is false, indicating a contradiction. Therefore, there are no values of \( x \) that can satisfy the equation, and we conclude that the equation has no solution.

In terms of graphs, if you were to graph two equations that you are trying to set equal to each other (like the left-hand side and right-hand side of an equation), and the graphs do not intersect, this also indicates that there are no common solutions (no values that satisfy both equations).

In summary, an equation having no solution means that the requirements set by the equation contradict each other, and no possible value satisfies the equation.