Final answer:
The system of linear equations given has an infinite number of solutions. By using Gaussian elimination, we deduced that any value of x and y satisfying one equation will satisfy the other. Thus, the solution is represented parametrically as x = t and y = 2.5 - 0.5t.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asked to solve a system of linear equations using methods such as Gaussian elimination or Gauss-Jordan elimination. The system given is:
3x + 6y = 15
−3x − 6y = −15
To solve the system using Gaussian elimination, we can add the two equations together:
3x + 6y = 15
−3x − 6y = −15
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0x + 0y = 0
With the addition of these two equations, we see that the left side reduces to 0 and the right side is also 0. This means that any value for x and y that satisfies one equation will satisfy the other. Therefore, this system has an infinite number of solutions.
Since we need to express x and y in terms of the parameter t, we will assume: x = t
Substitute x = t into the first equation:
3t + 6y = 15
Now, solve for y:
6y = 15 - 3t
y = ⅔(15 - 3t)
y = ⅔ * 15 - ⅔ * 3t
y = ⅔2.5 - 0.5t
The solutions can be expressed as: x = t, y = 2.5 - 0.5t.