Question
Using vector method, prove that the point is collinear:
A(6, -7, -1), B(2, -3, 1) and C(4, -5, 0)

Answer

Given the points A(6, -7, -1), B(2, -3, 1) and C(4, -5, 0). Then,

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

$=2\hat{\text{i}}-3\hat{\text{j}}+\hat{\text{k}}-6\hat{\text{i}}+7\hat{\text{j}}+\hat{\text{k}}$

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

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

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

$=4\hat{\text{i}}-5\hat{\text{j}}-2\hat{\text{k}}+3\hat{\text{j}}-\hat{\text{k}}$

$=2\hat{\text{i}}-2\hat{\text{j}}-\hat{\text{k}}$

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

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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