For what value of a, the system of equations is inconsistent ax + 3y = a - 3 12x + ay = a

Question

Philoid · Accepted Answer

System will be inconsistent will be when

a1/a2 = b1/b2 ≠ c1/c2

ax + 3y = a - 3

12x + ay = a

a/12 = 3/1 ≠ a-3/a

⇒ a = ± 6

But +6 doesn’t satisfy

a/12 = 3/1 ≠ 1-3/a

Thus, a = - 6