Vectors

Questions involving ratio & Collinearity

The line AC is divided, such that AB: BC = 1:3.

Given that AC 4a find AB and BC in terms of a

C
4a

B
A
AB = ¼ AC BC = ¾ AC
= ¼ × 4a = = ¾ × 4a =

Question:1 QS is divided such that QR : RS = 4:7. Find QR and RS if QS = 22a + 11b

14 
Question:2 MN : NP = 5 : 2. Find MN and NP if MP =  
 21

Collinearity

If two lines are parallel and have a common point, they lie on the same straight line.

Example

Draw on graph provided

1   2
EF =   and FG =  
 3 6

[Hint: Start FG where EF ends]

Example
A, B and C are the coordinates (-3,2), (-1,5) and (3,11) respectively. Prove that they are
collinear.

Steps

1. Find any two of AB, BC, AC.

2. Show that one is a multiple of the other.
3. State since parallel and have common point collinear
   3   1 3 
OA =   , OB =   OC =  
2  5  11

AB = AO + OB BC = BO + OC
 3    1 1   3 
=   +   =   +  
  2 5    5  11

 2  4
=   =  
3  6

BC = 2 AB

 BC is parallel to AB and since they have a common point, B. A,B and C are
collinear.

Question #1
If AB = 4a +2b and BD = 2a +b. Prove that A,B and D are collinear

Question # 2:
P, Q and R are the coordinates (2,3), (4,5) and (7,8) respectively. Prove that they are
collinear.
Question #3

Question#4