Classification for linear systems

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can someone explain to me the classifications for linear equations? I don't understand what the terms mean. Consistent, inconsistent, and dependent and how a system of equations can be both.

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You can think of a set of M linear equations as relationships between N variables. The equations in the set determine if the set is

  • consistent
  • in-consistent or
  • dependent

Easiest to understand is category in-consistent. Example:

x +  y = 10
x +  y = 12

As you can see the right hand side is in-consistent. So you get gist of what inconsistent means. Now let's see example of dependent:

 x +  y = 10
2x + 2y = 20

We have same equation written in different form.

Finally if the set is neither in-consistent, nor dependent, then it is usually consistent.