Question

In each of the following find the value of ‘k’, for which the points are collinear. (i) (7, –2), (5, 1), (3, k) (ii) (8, 1), (k, – 4), (2, –5)

Answer 1

Answer:

(i) For collinear points, area of triangle formed by them is zero.
Therefore, for points (7, -2) (5, 1), and (3, k), area = 0
1/2 [7 { 1- k} + 5(k-(-2)) + 3{(-2) + 1}] = 0
7 - 7k + 5k +10 -9 = 0
-2k + 8 = 0
k = 4

(ii) For collinear points, area of triangle formed by them is zero.
Therefore, for points (8, 1), (k, - 4), and (2, - 5), area = 0
1/2 [8 { -4- (-5)} + k{(-5)-(1)} + 2{1 -(-4)}] = 0
8 - 6k + 10 = 0
6k = 18
k = 3