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Question

If 3x - ky + 8 = 0 and 9x - 18y + 20 = 0 have no solution, find k.

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 Question Paper (25-Sep-2025) (Shift 3)
The correct answer is

6

For two lines \(a_1x+b_1y+c_1=0\) and \(a_2x+b_2y+c_2=0\) to have no solution, they must be parallel but distinct, i.e. \(\dfrac{a_1}{a_2}=\dfrac{b_1}{b_2}\ne\dfrac{c_1}{c_2}\).

Here the system is \(3x-ky+8=0\) and \(9x-18y+20=0\), so \(a_1=3,\ b_1=-k,\ c_1=8\) and \(a_2=9,\ b_2=-18,\ c_2=20\).

Set the coefficient ratios equal: \(\dfrac{3}{9}=\dfrac{-k}{-18}\).

Simplify: \(\dfrac{1}{3}=\dfrac{k}{18}\), so \(k=\dfrac{18}{3}=6\).

Check the constant ratio is different: \(\dfrac{c_1}{c_2}=\dfrac{8}{20}=\dfrac{2}{5}\), which is not \(\dfrac{1}{3}\), confirming the lines are parallel and truly have no common solution.

The key condition is the parallel-lines (no-solution) criterion for a pair of linear equations.

Hence the required value is k = 6.

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  4. If \(3x-ky+8 = 0\) and \(9x-18y+20 = 0\) have no solution, find k.


Important Questions from Linear Equation in 2 or more Variables

  1. Six years ago, the ratio of ages of A to B was 7 ∶ 5. After 4 years from now, the ratio of their ages will be 11 ∶ 9. What is A’s age at present?

  2. 7p - [3q - {8p - (4q - 10p)}] = ?

  3. Surya is 25 years older than his son. In 5 years, he will be twice as old as his son. What will be Surya’s age after 3 years?

  4. The difference between the ages of two sisters is 2 years when father’s age is 52. Father is elder by 2 years to mother. Elder sister’s age is half of mother’s age. Find the age of younger sister?

  5. The sum of the digits of a 2 digit number is 9, When 27 is added to the number, the digits get interchanged. Find the number.

    A. 45

    B. 36

    C. 18

    D. 27
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