Question

Using section formula, show that the points A (2, –3, 4), B (–1, 2, 1) and are collinear.

Answer 1

The given points are A (2, –3, 4), B (–1, 2, 1), and.

Let P be a point that divides AB in the ratio k:1.

Hence, by section formula, the coordinates of P are given by

Now, we find the value of k at which point P coincides with point C.

By taking, we obtain k = 2.

For k = 2, the coordinates of point P are.

i.e., is a point that divides AB externally in the ratio 2:1 and is the same as point P.

Hence, points A, B, and C are collinear.