In the given equation, b is a constant. If the equation has no solution, what is the value of b ?
2
4
6
10
Choice A is correct. This equation has no solution when there is no value of x that produces a true statement. Solving the given equation for x by dividing both sides by gives
. When
, the right-hand side of this equation will be undefined, and the equation will have no solution. Therefore, when
, there is no value of x that satisfies the given equation.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Substituting 4, 6, and 10 for b in the given equation yields exactly one solution, rather than no solution, for x. For example, substituting 4 for b in the given equation yields , or
. Dividing both sides of
by 2 yields
. Similarly, if
or
,
and
, respectively.