Coinciding Linear Equations Contradiction

XAT 2024 · Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation · Medium · Algebra

Consider the system of two linear equations as follows: 3x+21y+p=03x + 21y + p = 0; and qx+ry−7=0qx + ry - 7 = 0, where p,q,p, q, and rr are real numbers.

Which of the following statements DEFINITELY CONTRADICTS the fact that the lines represented by the two equations are coinciding?

  1. A.

    p and q must have opposite signs

  2. B.

    The smallest among p, q, and r is r

  3. C.

    The largest among p, q, and r is q

  4. D.

    r and q must have same signs

  5. E.

    p cannot be 0

Answer

C

Explanation

For two lines to coincide, the ratio of coefficients must be equal: 3q=21r=p−7=k≠0\frac{3}{q} = \frac{21}{r} = \frac{p}{-7} = k \neq 0. Thus, q=3k,r=21k,p=−7kq = \frac{3}{k}, r = \frac{21}{k}, p = -7k. Note that rq=7\frac{r}{q} = 7, so r=7qr = 7q. If q>0q > 0, then r=7q>qr = 7q > q, so qq cannot be the largest among p,q,rp, q, r. If q<0q < 0, then r=7q<qr = 7q < q, but p=−7k=−7(3/q)=−21/q>0p = -7k = -7(3/q) = -21/q > 0, so pp is positive and thus p>qp > q, which again means qq cannot be the largest. Therefore, qq can NEVER be the largest among p,q,rp, q, r. Saying "The largest among p,q,p, q, and rr is qq" definitely contradicts the fact that the lines coincide.

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