If are two non-collinear vectors, prove that the points with position vectors
and
are collinear for all real values of
Let us understand that, two more points are said to be collinear if they all lie on a single straight line.
Given that, and
are two non-collinear vectors.
Let the points be A, B and C having position vectors such that,
So, in this case if we prove that and
are parallel to each other, then we can easily show that A, B and C are collinear.
Therefore, is given by
…(i)
And is given by
Let us note the relation between and
.
We know,
Or
Or [∵, from (i)]
Or …(ii)
If λ is any real value, then is also a real value.
Then, for any real value , we can write
From (ii) equation, we can write
This relation shows that and
are parallel to each other.
But also, is the common vector in
and
.
⇒ and
are not parallel but lies on a straight line.
Thus, A, B and C are collinear.