Final answer:
When using elimination to determine if a linear system is consistent or inconsistent, eliminate terms to simplify the equations, solve for the unknowns, and check if the solution makes sense. A consistent system has viable solutions, while an inconsistent system does not.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine whether the given linear system is consistent or inconsistent using the method of elimination, you should first list what is given and what can be inferred. Then eliminate terms to simplify the algebra, solving equations for the unknown. Once you find a solution, check to see if it is reasonable.
List the knowns and infer unknowns.Use elimination to simplify the algebra.Solve the equations for the unknown.Check if the solution is reasonable and makes sense with the given problem.
If after elimination the system results in a true statement, like 0=0, that indicates it's consistent, meaning there is at least one set of solutions. An inconsistent system, on the other hand, results in a false statement, like 0=5, which means there are no solutions.
To answer a question related to the equilibrium of a system or to determine a linear regression line equation, similar steps may be applied, but they will involve subject-specific concepts and formulas.