Using vector method, prove that the following points are collinear.
A (2, –1, 3), B (3, –5, 1) and C (–1, 11, 9).
A (2, –1, 3), B (3, –5, 1) and C (–1, 11, 9).
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.