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,
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
And is given by
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.