Question

Describe the graph of a system of equations that has no solution.

Answer 1

The solution for a system of equations is the value or values that are true for all equations in the system. The graphs of equations within a system can tell you how many solutions exist for that system. Look at the images below. Each shows two lines that make up a system of equations.

 

One SolutionNo SolutionsInfinite SolutionsIf the graphs of the equations intersect, then there is one solution that is true for both equations. If the graphs of the equations do not intersect (for example, if they are parallel), then there are no solutions that are true for both equations.If the graphs of the equations are the same, then there are an infinite number of solutions that are true for both equations.

 

When the lines intersect, the point of intersection is the only point that the two graphs have in common. So the coordinates of that point are the solution for the two variables used in the equations. When the lines are parallel, there are no solutions, and sometimes the two equations will graph as the same line, in which case we have an infinite number of solutions.

 

Some special terms are sometimes used to describe these kinds of systems.

 

The following terms refer to how many solutions the system has.