Question
Using vector method, prove that the point is collinear:
A(-3, -2, -5), B(1, 2, 3) and C(3, 4, 7)

Answer

Given the points A(-3, -2, -5), B(1, 2, 3) and C(3, 4, 7). Then,

$\overrightarrow{\text{AB}}=$ Position vector of B - Position vector of A

$=\hat{\text{i}}+2\hat{\text{j}}+3\hat{\text{k}}+3\hat{\text{i}}+2\hat{\text{j}}+5\hat{\text{k}}$

$=4\hat{\text{i}}+4\hat{\text{j}}+8\hat{\text{k}}$

$=2\big(2\hat{\text{i}}+2\hat{\text{j}}+4\hat{\text{k}}\big)$

$\overrightarrow{\text{BC}}=$ Position vector of C - Position vector of B

$=3\hat{\text{i}}+4\hat{\text{j}}+7\hat{\text{k}}-\hat{\text{i}}-2\hat{\text{j}}-3\hat{\text{k}}$

$=2\hat{\text{i}}+2\hat{\text{j}}+4\hat{\text{k}}$

$\therefore\ \overrightarrow{\text{AB}}=2\overrightarrow{\text{BC}}$

So, $\overrightarrow{\text{AB}}$ and $\overrightarrow{\text{BC}}$ are parallel vectors. But B is a point common to them.

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

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