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Exercise 1679Algebra › Equations and radicalsL1Added 3 Nov 2026

A system depending on a parameter

#parameter#linear system#discussion

Statement

Solve the system
{x+my=1mx+y=1\begin{cases}x+my=1\\ mx+y=1\end{cases}
depending on the real parameter mm.

Hint

The determinant of the system is 1−m21-m^2. Discuss according to its sign.

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Solution

Determinant. det⁡=∣1mm1∣=1−m2\det=\begin{vmatrix}1&m\\m&1\end{vmatrix}=1-m^2.

Case m≠±1m\neq\pm1. Unique solution. By Cramer:
x=∣1m11∣1−m2=1−m1−m2=11+m,x=\frac{\begin{vmatrix}1&m\\1&1\end{vmatrix}}{1-m^2}=\frac{1-m}{1-m^2}=\frac{1}{1+m},
y=∣11m1∣1−m2=1−m1−m2=11+m.y=\frac{\begin{vmatrix}1&1\\m&1\end{vmatrix}}{1-m^2}=\frac{1-m}{1-m^2}=\frac{1}{1+m}.

Case m=1m=1. System becomes x+y=1x+y=1 twice, so the solutions are {(t,1−t):t∈R}\{(t,1-t):t\in\mathbb{R}\}.

Case m=−1m=-1. System becomes x−y=1x-y=1 and −x+y=1-x+y=1, i.e. x−y=1x-y=1 and x−y=−1x-y=-1, incompatible. No solution.

Conclusion.
- m≠±1m\neq\pm1: unique solution (1/(1+m), 1/(1+m))(1/(1+m),\,1/(1+m)).
- m=1m=1: infinitely many solutions (t,1−t)(t,1-t).
- m=−1m=-1: no solution.