So far we have seen equations with a single solution x=ax=a where aa is some number. For example, x=3x=3 or x=2.5x=2.5

Now we will learn about other types of equations:

  • Equations whose solution is of the type 0=0 0=0 , that is, they have infinite solutions
  • Equations whose solution is of the type 0=a 0=a (where a represents some number). These equations have no solution.
A - Special Cases of Equations

For example:

3x+3=3x53x+3=3x-5

3x+3=3x53x+3=3x-5

3=53=-5

At this stage it is clear that it is false, therefore, the equation has no solution, but, to demonstrate it clearly we will add 55 to each side of the equation. We will obtain:

0=80=8

A false statement of the form a=0a=0 which means that the equation has no solution. That is, no number we put into the equation could yield a true statement.

In this article, we will see many examples and various cases of special equations.


So far we have seen equations with a single solution. For example, equations like this:

3x=8x5 3x=8x-5
5x=55x=5
x=1x=1
This equation has a single solution, x=1x=1

Today we will learn about a new type of equations. Equations with infinite solutions or equations with no solution at all.


Example 1: Equation with No Solution

3x+3=3x53x+3=3x-5

3x+3=3x53x+3=3x-5

3=53=-5

This is a false statement, which means that the equation has no solution. That is, there is no number that we can substitute into the equation that would make the statement true.


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Example 2: Equation with No Solution

2(2x+1)1=4x22(2x+1)-1=4x-2

4x+21=4x24x+2-1=4x-2

1=21=-2

Once again, a false statement is obtained. That is, this equation also has no solution.


Example 3: Equation with No Solution and Solution Set

x1x2=1x2\frac{x-1}{x-2}=\frac{1}{x-2}

Firstly, as in all cases where we have a variable in the denominator, we will determine what the solution set is.

We must verify that the denominator does not equal 00. In this case, it is clear that the solution set is

x2x≠2

Now we will continue with the exercise. We will multiply both sides of the equation by the denominator and obtain:

x1x2=1(x2) \frac{x-1}{x-2}=\frac{1}{\left(x-2\right)}

x1=1x-1=1

x=2x=2

That is, we obtained the result x=2x=2 However, let's remember our solution set which is

x2x≠2

This means that the result we obtained is not within the solution set. Consequently, this exercise also has no solution. This exercise highlights why it is so important to always check the solution set.


Example 4: Equation with Infinite Solutions

Now we will look at an equation that has infinite solutions. For example, let's observe the equation 

3x2+3+x=2.5+3\frac{3x}{2}+3+x=2.5+3

Let's eliminate the denominator and subtract 3 from both sides:

3x2+3+x=2.5x+3 \frac{3x}{2}+3+x=2.5x+3

3x+2x=5x3x+2x=5x

0=00=0
We will obtain the solution 0=00=0 which implies that there are infinite solutions for this equation. In this case, any xx that we choose to place solves the equation. Let's demonstrate it. Let's place, for example x=1x=1

3x2+3+x=2.5x+3\frac{3x}{2}+3+x=2.5x+3

let's put x=1x=1 and we will obtain

3×12+3+1=2.5×1+3\frac{3\times 1}{2}+3+1=2.5\times 1+3

32+3+1=2.5+3\frac{3}{2}+3+1=2.5+3

32+4=5.5\frac{3}{2}+4=5.5

5.5=5.55.5=5.5

this is indeed a true statement. Similarly, any other xx that we place will yield a true statement. Now try it yourself. Put x=2x=2 for example, or any other number.


Example 5: Equation with Infinite Solutions and Solution Set

3(3x2)3x2=3\frac{3(3x-2)}{3x-2}=3

This is an equation with a variable in the denominator. Therefore, we must first note what the solution set is. Remember that the denominator cannot be 00. Let's look at the solution set:

3x203x-2 ≠ 0

x23x≠\frac{2}{3}

Let's write it clearly: The solution set is 
x23x≠\frac{2}{3}
Now let's return to the original equation

3(3x2)3x2=3\frac{3(3x-2)}{3x-2}=3

We can multiply both sides by the denominator, but obviously it makes sense to reduce the numerator and the denominator. We will obtain:

3(3x2)3x2=3 \frac{3\left(3x-2\right)}{3x-2}=3

We will obtain 

1=11=1

That is, we see that this equation has infinitely many solutions. Now let's remember our solution set
x23x≠\frac{2}{3}

Therefore, for this equation, any XX except 2/32/3 will be fine. We will note it as follows:
Solution:x23x≠\frac{2}{3}

You can verify it by noting, for example 
x=2x=2

  • any other number that is within the solution set. 

Remember! Always check the solution set at the beginning of the exercise and then, upon finishing, verify the answer against it.


In conclusion, we can note

  • First, we will always find out what the solution set is.
  • If we get a result like 0=00=0, it means that our equation has infinitely many solutions.
  • If we get a result like a=0a=0 (where a is any number other than zero), that is, we obtained a false statement. In such a case, the equation has no solution.