Final answer:
The method for solving bx = by by solving x = y does not work when b = 1 because it leads to a division by zero error. No unique solution exists for this equation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The method for solving bx = by by solving x = y does not work when b = 1 because it leads to a division by zero error. When b is equal to 1, both terms on both sides of the equation become the same. Therefore, there is no unique solution for this equation.
For example, let's consider the equation x = y. If we substitute b = 1, then the equation becomes x = x. No matter what value we choose for x, the equation is always true. This means that there is no unique solution for this equation.