For what value of the constant a,
2x+5y=−8,6x=16+a−15y
does the system of equations below have infinitely many solutions?
2x + 5y = -8 Multiply both sides of this equation by 3.
6x + 15y = -24
6x = 16 + a - 15y Add 15y to both sides of this equation.
6x + 15y = 16 + a
So now our two equations are:
6x + 15y = -24
6x + 15y = 16 + a
The system will have infinitely many solutions when both equations are identical.
So the system will have infinitely many solutions when....
-24 = 16 + a Subtract 16 from both sides of this equation.
-40 = a
a = -40