Given -

A = (-1,4,-2)

B = (λ,μ,1)

C = (0,2,-1)

To find – The value of λ and μ so that A, B and C are collinear

Formula to be used – If P = (a,b,c) and Q = (a’,b’,c’),then the direction ratios of the line PQ is given by ((a’-a),(b’-b),(c’-c))

The direction ratios of the line AB can be given by

((λ+1),(μ-4),(1+2))

=(λ+1,μ-4,3)

Similarly, the direction ratios of the line BC can be given by

((0-λ),(2-μ),(-1-1))

=(-λ,2-μ,-2)

Tip – If it is shown that direction ratios of AB=α times that of BC , where λ is any arbitrary constant, then the condition is sufficient to conclude that points A, B and C will be collinear.

So, d.r. of AB

=(λ+1,μ-4,3)

Say, α be an arbitrary constant such that d.r. of AB = α Х d.r. of BC

So, 3 = α Х (-2)

i.e. α = -3/2

Since, A, B and C are collinear,

And,