Final answer:
When Alvin multiplies the first equation by 2 and the second equation by -3, the system of equations becomes 6x + 8y = 16 and -12x - 24y = -48. The linear combination 12x = 0 reveals that the system has infinitely many solutions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Alvin multiplies the first equation by 2 and the second equation by -3, the system of equations becomes:
6x + 8y = 16
-12x - 24y = -48
To find the linear combination that reveals the number of solutions to the system, we can multiply the first equation by 6 and the second equation by 2:
36x + 48y = 96
-24x - 48y = -96
Adding these equations together, we get 12x = 0. This means that x = 0. When we substitute x = 0 into the first equation, we get 8y = 16, or y = 2.
Therefore, the linear combination 12x = 0 reveals that the system has infinitely many solutions.