Question

Show graphically that the system of equations 2x + y = 6, 6x + 3y = 18 has infinitely many solutions.

Show graphically that the following given system of equations has infinitely many solutions:

2x + y = 6, 6x + 3y = 18

Answer 1

On a graph paper, draw a horizontal line X'OX and a vertical line YOY' representing the x-axis and y-axis, respectively.

Graph of 2x + y = 6

2x + y = 6

⇒ y = (6 – 2x)   ...(i)

Putting x = 3, we get y = 0

Putting x = 1, we get y = 4

Putting x = 2, we get y = 2

Thus, we have the following table for the equation 2x + y = 6

x	3	1	2
y	0	4	2

Now, plot the points A(3, 0), B(1, 4) and C(2, 2) on the graph paper.

Join AC and CB to get the graph line AB. Extend it on both ways.

Thus, the line AB is the graph of 2x + y = 6.

Graph of 6x + 3y = 18

6x + 3y = 18

⇒ 3y = (18 – 6x)

⇒ `y = (18 - 6x)/3`   ...(ii)

Putting x = 3, we get y = 0

Putting x = 1, we get y = 4

Putting x = 2, we get y = 2

Thus, we have the following table for the equation 6x + 3y = 18.

x	3	1	2
y	0	4	2

These are the same points as obtained for the graph line of equation (i).

It is clear from the graph that these two lines coincide.

Hence, the given system of equations has an infinite number of solutions.