NCERT Solutions
Class 11 Maths
Introduction to Three Dimensional Geometry

Ex.12.3 Q.4
Using section formula, show that the points A (2, –3, 4), B (–1, 2, 1) and C (0, , 2) are collinear.
The given points are A (2, –3, 4), B (–1, 2, 1), and C (0, ,2).
Let P be a point that divides AB in the ratio k: 1
Hence, by section formula, the coordinates of P are given by
{(-1 × k + 2) ÷ (k + 1), (2 × k - 3) ÷ (k + 1), (1 × k + 4) ÷ (k + 1)}
Now, we find the value of k at which point P coincides with point C.
By taking (-k + 2) ÷ (k + 1) = 0, we obtain k = 2 For k = 2, the coordinates of point P are (0, , 2)
i.e., C (0, , 2) 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.