If S is the set of distinct values of b for which the following system of linear equations x + y + z = 1 x +…

If S is the set of distinct values of b for which the following system of linear equations

x+y+z=1

x+ay+z=1

ax+by+z=0

has no solution, then S  is:
  1. An empty set
  2. An infinite set
  3. A finite set containing two or more elements
  4. A singleton

Solution

For no solution D=1111a1ab1=0

Expanding the determinant along the first row, we get D=-a-12=0

   a=1

For a=1, first two planes are coincident.

Now, we have x+y+z=1 & ax+by+z=0

For no solution, these two planes are parallel.

1a=1b=11

a=1 & b=1.

   b=1 ⇒ it is a singleton set

Asked in: JEE Main 2017 (02 Apr)

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