Using vector method, prove that the following points are collinear.
A(6, –7, –1), B(2 –3, 1) and C(4, –5, 0)
Let us understand that, two more points are said to be collinear if they all lie on a single straight line.
Given: A (6, –7, –1), B (2, –3, 1) and C (4, –5, 0).
To Prove: A, B and C are collinear.
Proof:
Let us define position vectors. So,
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So, in this case if we prove that
and
are parallel to each other, then we can easily show that A, B and C are collinear.
Therefore,
is given by
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And
is given by
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Let us note the relation between
and
.
We know, ![]()
Or ![]()
Or
[∵,
]
This relation shows that
and
are parallel to each other.
But also,
is the common vector in
and
.
⇒
and
are not parallel but lies on a straight line.
Thus, proved that A, B and C are collinear.