We know that the direction ratios of the line joining the points (x1, y1, z1) and (x2, y2, z2) are x2 - x1, y2 - y1, z2 - z1.
The direction ratios of AB are (-1 - 2), (-2 - 3), (1 - 4),
i.e. -3, -5, -3.
The direction ratios of BC are (5 - (-1)), (8 - (-2)), (7 - 1),
i.e. 6, 10, 6.
It can be seen that the direction ratios of BC are -2 times that of AB, i.e. they are proportional. Therefore, AB is parallel to BC.
Since point B is common in both AB and BC, points A, B, and C are collinear.