JEE Main 2019 · 10 Jan · Shift I

JEE Main 2019 Mathematics question on Matrices and Determinants

If the system of equations
x+y+z=5x + y + z = 5, x+2y+3z=9x + 2y + 3z = 9, x+3y+αz=βx + 3y + \alpha z = \beta
has infinitely many solutions, then β−α\beta - \alpha equals
  1. A.
    8
  2. B.
    18
  3. C.
    21
  4. D.
    5
Show answer and solution

Correct option: A

Solution

From the first two equations, subtracting: y + 2z = 4. For infinitely many solutions, the third equation must be a linear combination of the first two. Subtracting the first from the third: 2y + (α-1)z = β-5. This must be consistent with y + 2z = 4, so 2y + 4z = 8, giving α-1 = 4 → α = 5 and β-5 = 8 → β = 13. Therefore β - α = 13 - 5 = 8.

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