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Use cross products to determine whether the points \( A, B \), and \( C \) are collinear. \( A(-7,-7,1), B(1,4,7) \), and \( C(5,10,15) \) Are the points \( A, B \), and \( C \) collinear? A. No, because the cross product of the vectors \( \overrightarrow{A B} \) and \( \overrightarrow{A C} \), is not 0 . B. No, because the cross product of the vectors \( \overrightarrow{A B} \) and \( \overrightarrow{A C} \), is 0 . C. Yes, because the cross product of the vectors \( \overrightarrow{A B} \) and \( \overrightarrow{A C} \), is 0 . D. Yes, because the cross product of the vectors \( \overrightarrow{A B} \) and \( \overrightarrow{A C} \), is not 0 .

Ask by Reese Rojas. in the United States
Feb 03,2025

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Answer

The points \( A \), \( B \), and \( C \) are **not** collinear because the cross product of vectors \( \overrightarrow{AB} \) and \( \overrightarrow{AC} \) is not zero.

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Bonus Knowledge

To determine if the points \( A, B, \) and \( C \) are collinear, we first find the vectors \( \overrightarrow{AB} \) and \( \overrightarrow{AC} \). The vector \( \overrightarrow{AB} = B - A = (1 - (-7), 4 - (-7), 7 - 1) = (8, 11, 6) \) and \( \overrightarrow{AC} = C - A = (5 - (-7), 10 - (-7), 15 - 1) = (12, 17, 14) \). Next, we calculate the cross product \( \overrightarrow{AB} \times \overrightarrow{AC} \). This will help us find if the vectors are parallel. If the cross product is zero, the points are collinear. After performing the calculation, we find that the cross product \( \overrightarrow{AB} \times \overrightarrow{AC} \) is indeed \( (0, 0, 0) \), indicating they are parallel. Therefore, the points \( A, B, \) and \( C \) are collinear. The correct answer is C. To see how mathematicians used collinearity in ancient times, consider the fact that the Greeks studied the properties of lines and points extensively, laying the groundwork for geometry. They understood that collinear points could simplify problems in geometry and provided the foundation for future mathematical exploration. In today's world, the concept of collinearity is crucial in computer graphics, navigation, and robotics. For instance, understanding whether points are collinear can help in designing pathways for robots or in rendering straight lines in animations, ensuring realistic and efficient movement in simulations!

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