Find the values of k, if the points A (k + 1, 2k), B (3k, 2k + 3) and C (5k - 1, 5k) are collinear.
We know that, if three points are collinear, then the area of triangle formed by these points is zero.
Since, the points A (k + 1, 2k), B (3k, 2k + 3) and C (5k - 1, 5k) are collinear.
Then, area of ΔABC = 0
1/2 [x1 (y2 – y3) + x2 (y3 - y1 ) + x3 (y1 - y2 )] = 0
Here,
x1 = k + 1,
x2 = 3k
x3 = 5k – 1
And
y1 = 2k
y2 = 2k + 3
y3 = 5k
[(k + 1)(2k + 3 - 5k) + 3k(5k – 2k) + (5k – 1)(2k + 3)]
[(k + 1)( - 3k + 3) + 3k(3k) + (5k - 1)(2k – 2k – 3)] = 0
[ - 3k2 + 3k - 3k + 3 + 9k2 - 15k + 3] = 0
(6k2 – 15k + 6) = 0 (multiply by 2)
→ 6k2 – 15k + 2 = 0
→ 2k2 – 5k + 2 = 0
[Divide by 3]
→ 2k2 – 4k – k + 2 = 0
→ 2k (k – 2) – 1(k – 2) = 0
→ (k – 2)(2k – 1) = 0
If k – 2 = 0, then k = 2
If 2k – 1 = 0, then k= 1/2
∴ k = 2, 1/2
Hence, the required values of k are 2 and 1/2.