Precalculus: Mathematics for Calculus, 7th Edition

Published by Brooks Cole
ISBN 10: 1305071751
ISBN 13: 978-1-30507-175-9

Chapter 10 - Review - Exercises - Page 772: 111

Answer

$k=2$ or $3$

Work Step by Step

Step 1. Add up the first and second equations to get $(k+1)x=12$ which gives $x=\frac{12}{k+1}$ (assume $k\ne -1$) Step 2. Add up the second and third equations to get $(k-1)x=2k$ which gives $x=\frac{2k}{k-1}$ (assume $k\ne 1$) Step 3. For the three lines to intersect at a single point, let $\frac{12}{k+1}=\frac{2k}{k-1}$ which gives $k^2+k=6k-6$ or $k^2-5k+6=0$ Step 4. Factor the above equation to get $(k-2)(k-3)=0$ which gives $k=2,3$ Step 5. When $k=2$ or $3$, the three lines intersect at a single point.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.