What characteristic defines a dependent system of equations?

A dependent system of equations is characterized by having infinitely many solutions. This occurs when the equations in the system are essentially the same or one can be derived from the other, meaning they represent the same line in a geometric sense. For example, if two equations describe the same line in a two-dimensional space, any point on that line is a solution to the system, leading to an infinite number of solutions.

When analyzing other potential characteristics, a system with exactly one solution would be classified as independent, not dependent, as it represents two lines that intersect at a single point. A system that has no solution signifies that the equations represent parallel lines that do not intersect, which would be classified as inconsistent. Finally, a system of inconsistent equations would also mean that there is no solution, reinforcing that these types of equations cannot coexist.

Thus, it is the presence of infinitely many solutions that distinctly defines a dependent system of equations.