Coinciding Linear Equations Contradiction
XAT 2024 · Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation · Medium · Algebra
Consider the system of two linear equations as follows: ; and , where and are real numbers.
Which of the following statements DEFINITELY CONTRADICTS the fact that the lines represented by the two equations are coinciding?
- A.
p and q must have opposite signs
- B.
The smallest among p, q, and r is r
- C.
The largest among p, q, and r is q
- D.
r and q must have same signs
- E.
p cannot be 0
C
Explanation
For two lines to coincide, the ratio of coefficients must be equal: . Thus, . Note that , so . If , then , so cannot be the largest among . If , then , but , so is positive and thus , which again means cannot be the largest. Therefore, can NEVER be the largest among . Saying "The largest among and is " definitely contradicts the fact that the lines coincide.
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