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13 February, 15:31

Is it possible for a linear system to have a unique solution if it has more equations than variables? If yes, give an example. If no, justify why it is impossible.

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Answers (2)
  1. 13 February, 15:36
    0
    Yes, it's possible.

    Step-by-step explanation:

    We know that a linear system has a unique solution if it has the same number of equations than variables (but remember that you musn't have a linear combination of equations).

    So it is possible to create a system with more equations than variables, with a unique solution.

    Example:

    1) X + Y + Z = 3

    2) 2X + 2Y + 2Z = 6

    3) X + Y = 2

    4) X + Z = 2

    This is a 4 equation and 3 variable system. Pay attention to equation number 1) and 2). They are a linear combination (number 2 is the number 1 multiplied by 2). So, for this system you can basically ignore one of them.

    If you do that, you will have 3 equations and 3 variables, with a unique solution. In this case solution is X = 1, Y = 1, Z = 1.

    Now, let's see if equation number 2 satisfies:

    2x1 + 2x1 + 2x1 = 6

    6 = 6

    With this simple example we proved that you can have a linear system with a unique solution if it has more equations than variables.
  2. 13 February, 15:58
    0
    Yes

    Step-by-step explanation:

    Yes it is possible, if the equations are equivalent. For example in one variable, we have x=2 and if we add the equation 2x=4 both considered on the Real numbers, then the system has two equations and one variable, more equations than variables and yet the solution is unique x=2.
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