Skip to content
Exercise 8.5 · Q11

Q.If a⃗,b⃗,c⃗\vec a,\vec b,\vec c are the position vectors of three collinear points, then which of the following is true?

(1) a⃗=b⃗+c⃗\vec a=\vec b+\vec c
(2) 2a⃗=b⃗+c⃗2\vec a=\vec b+\vec c
(3) b⃗=c⃗+a⃗\vec b=\vec c+\vec a
(4) 4a⃗+b⃗+c⃗=0⃗4\vec a+\vec b+\vec c=\vec 0
Tamil Nadu DgeTextbookSubjectiveImportance★★★★★
57% · 64/113 Questions
🔒 Locked · start free trial →

You're viewing a preview — the full solution, concept, methods & PYQ mapping are locked.

Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →

Step 1. Since a⃗,b⃗,c⃗\vec a,\vec b,\vec c are position vectors from an arbitrary origin, a relation expressing a geometric fact like collinearity must not depend on the choice of origin. Writing each option as la⃗+mb⃗+nc⃗=0⃗l\vec a+m\vec b+n\vec c=\vec 0, origin-independence forces l+m+n=0l+m+n=0.

Step 2. Check the coefficient sums.

(1) a⃗−b⃗−c⃗=0⃗\vec a-\vec b-\vec c=\vec 0: 1−1−1=−1≠01-1-1=-1\ne0 -- rejected.

(2) 2a⃗−b⃗−c⃗=0⃗2\vec a-\vec b-\vec c=\vec 0: 2−1−1=02-1-1=0 -- accepted.

(3) −a⃗+b⃗−c⃗=0⃗-\vec a+\vec b-\vec c=\vec 0: −1+1−1=−1≠0-1+1-1=-1\ne0 -- rejected. …

Unlock everything free for 14 days

  • Full step-by-step solutions
  • Concept-first explanations
  • Methods, shortcuts & mistakes
  • PYQ mapping + timed mock tests

Full access for 14 days. No credit card required.