If the lines given by 3x + 2ky = 2 and 2x + 5y + 1 = 0 are parallel, then the…

2019

If the lines given by 3x + 2ky = 2 and 2x + 5y + 1 = 0 are parallel, then the value of k is:

  1. A.

    −5/4

  2. B.

    3/2

  3. C.

    15/4

  4. D.

    2/5

Attempted by 38 students.

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Correct answer: C

Method: For two lines in the form ax + by + c = 0, the slope is -a/b. Set the slopes equal to make the lines parallel.

  • First line: 3x + 2ky = 2 can be written 3x + 2ky - 2 = 0, so its slope is -3/(2k).

  • Second line: 2x + 5y + 1 = 0 has slope -2/5.

  • Equate the slopes: -3/(2k) = -2/5, which gives 3/(2k) = 2/5.

  • Solve: cross-multiplying gives 15 = 4k, so k = 15/4.

Answer: k = 15/4.

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