Prove/disprove – If an inhomogeneous system of equations has more equations than variables, it has no solution.

linear algebrasystems of equations

If an inhomogeneous system of equations has more equations than variables, it has no solution.

Proof:
Let $I$ be an inhomogeneous system of equations:

\begin{align}
a_{11}x_1&=b_1\\
a_{12}x_1&=b_2 \quad \text{ with }a_{11},a_{12}=1
\end{align}

Case 1: $b_1=b_2$
Both equations are equivalent.

Case 2: $b_1 \neq b_2$

In order to solve this system of equations, the equation $x_1=b_1=b_2=x_1$ must hold. This is obviously not possible, because $b_1\neq b_2$. Therefore, the system of equations has no solution. $_\blacksquare$

Is this a proper proof? It's seems a bit too simple.

Best Answer

The system

$$x+y=2$$ $$2x+2y=4$$ $$3x+3y=6$$ has $(1/1)$ as a solution although we have three equations but only two variables. So, the claim is false.