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Question #40546

Difficulty: 8/10 | 🟢 Free

The Question

Let α\alpha be the greatest real number satisfying the inequality λ2−7λ+10λ−5≤0\frac{\lambda^2 - 7\lambda + 10}{\lambda - 5} \le 0 Consider the following system of linear equations in variables x,y,zx, y, z: \begin{align*} x + y + z &= 1 \ x + 2y + 2z &= 2 \ x + 3y + (\alpha + 1)z &= 4 \end{align*} Which of the following statements is true regarding the system?

Options

  • A.

    The system has no solution.

  • B.

    The system has infinitely many solutions.

  • C.

    The system has a unique solution (x,y,z)(x, y, z) satisfying y+z=1y + z = 1.

  • D.

    The system has a unique solution (x,y,z)(x, y, z) satisfying x+y=1x + y = 1.

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Correct Answer

Step-by-Step Solution

Explanation

How the Examiner Thinks

Monster

Ultra-high difficulty questions designed to test your limit, stamina, and deep conceptual understanding.

Concepts Behind This Question

Cross Multiplication Trap|System of Linear Equations (Cramer/Inverse)|Cramer's Rule Constraints

Why This Question Is Tricky

Common Mistakes

This question tests the 'Cross Multiplication Trap' in rational inequalities and its intersection with Cramer's Rule constraints.

Students commonly cross-multiply the denominator without considering domain restrictions, incorrectly simplifying λ2−7λ+10λ−5≤0\frac{\lambda^2 - 7\lambda + 10}{\lambda - 5} \le 0 to λ2−7λ+10≤0\lambda^2 - 7\lambda + 10 \le 0.

This yields λ∈[2,5]\lambda \in [2, 5], leading to an incorrect maximum value of α=5\alpha = 5.

Substituting α=5\alpha = 5 into the system yields a non-zero determinant (D=3D = 3), resulting in a unique solution where y+z=1y+z=1, which perfectly matches a distractor option.

Recognizing the domain constraint λ≠5\lambda \neq 5 correctly identifies α=2\alpha = 2, which makes the system's matrix singular (D=0D=0) with Dy≠0D_y \neq 0, correctly identifying the system as inconsistent.

Quick Facts About This Question

Question Information

SubjectMathematics
ChapterLinear Inequalities - Class 11
ConceptCross Multiplication Trap
Difficulty8
Cognitive Load7
Target Solve Time160 sec
AccessFree