Question

If the system of equations \[ 2x - y + z = 4, \] \[ 5x + \lambda y + 3z = 12, \] \[ 100x - 47y + \mu z = 212, \] has infinitely many solutions, then \( \mu - 2\lambda \) is equal to:

• A. 56
• B. 59
• C. 55
• D. 57

Hint:

To find the condition for infinitely many solutions, compute the determinant of the coefficient matrix and set it equal to zero. This ensures the system is consistent and has infinitely many solutions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Given the system of equations:

\[ 2x - y + z = 4 \tag{1} \] \[ 5x + \lambda y + 3z = 12 \tag{2} \] \[ 100x - 47y + \mu z = 212 \tag{3} \] We are asked to find \( \mu - 2\lambda \) given that the system has infinitely many solutions.

Step 1: Coefficient matrix and determinant

The system can be written in matrix form as: \[ \begin{pmatrix} 2 & -1 & 1 \\ 5 & \lambda & 3 \\ 100 & -47 & \mu \end{pmatrix} \begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \\ z \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 4 \\ 12 \\ 212 \end{pmatrix} \] For the system to have infinitely many solutions, the determinant of the coefficient matrix must be zero.

Step 2: Calculate the determinant

The determinant of the coefficient matrix is: \[ \text{det} = 2 \begin{vmatrix} \lambda & 3 \\ -47 & \mu \end{vmatrix} - (-1) \begin{vmatrix} 5 & 3 \\ 100 & \mu \end{vmatrix} + 1 \begin{vmatrix} 5 & \lambda \\ 100 & -47 \end{vmatrix} \] Calculating the 2x2 determinants and substituting into the determinant expression gives: \[ \text{det} = 2\lambda \mu + 5\mu - 100\lambda - 253. \]

Step 3: Set the determinant equal to zero

For the system to have infinitely many solutions, we set the determinant to zero: \[ 2\lambda \mu + 5\mu - 100\lambda - 253 = 0. \]

Step 4: Solve for \( \mu - 2\lambda \)

Solving the equation, we find that: \[ \mu - 2\lambda = 57. \]

Final Answer:

The value of \( \mu - 2\lambda \) is \( \boxed{57} \).