How many solutions does this linear system have?

[tex]\[
\begin{array}{l}
y = 2x - 5 \\
-8x - 4y = -20
\end{array}
\][/tex]

A. one solution: [tex]\((-2.5, 0)\)[/tex]
B. one solution: [tex]\((2.5, 0)\)[/tex]
C. no solution
D. infinite number of solutions



Answer :

To determine the number of solutions for the given system of linear equations:

[tex]\[ \begin{array}{l} y = 2x - 5 \\ -8x - 4y = -20 \end{array} \][/tex]

we need to analyze the relationships between the equations. Here's a step-by-step solution:

1. Substitute the expression for [tex]\( y \)[/tex] from the first equation into the second equation:
The first equation gives us:
[tex]\[ y = 2x - 5 \][/tex]
Substitute [tex]\( y = 2x - 5 \)[/tex] into the second equation:
[tex]\[ -8x - 4(2x - 5) = -20 \][/tex]

2. Simplify the equation:
Distribute the [tex]\(-4\)[/tex] in the second equation:
[tex]\[ -8x - 8x + 20 = -20 \][/tex]

Combine the terms involving [tex]\( x \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ -16x + 20 = -20 \][/tex]

3. Isolate [tex]\( x \)[/tex]:
Subtract 20 from both sides:
[tex]\[ -16x = -40 \][/tex]

Divide both sides by [tex]\(-16\)[/tex]:
[tex]\[ x = \frac{-40}{-16} = 2.5 \][/tex]

4. Find the corresponding value of [tex]\( y \)[/tex]:
Substitute [tex]\( x = 2.5 \)[/tex] back into the first equation:
[tex]\[ y = 2(2.5) - 5 = 5 - 5 = 0 \][/tex]

So, the solution to the system is [tex]\( (2.5, 0) \)[/tex].

5. Verify the solution in the second equation:
Substitute [tex]\( (2.5, 0) \)[/tex] into the second equation:
[tex]\[ -8(2.5) - 4(0) = -20 \][/tex]
Simplify:
[tex]\[ -20 = -20 \][/tex]

Since both equations are satisfied, we conclude that the system has exactly one solution.

Therefore, the number of solutions for the given system is:
[tex]\[ \boxed{1} \][/tex]

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