The position vectors of three points A, B and C are
The position vectors of three points A, B and C are

It can thus be written as:

A = (-4,2,-3)

B = (1,3,-2)

C = (-9,1,-4)

To prove – A, B and C are collinear

Formula to be used – If P = (a,b,c) and Q = (a’,b’,c’),then the direction ratios of the line PQ is given by ((a’-a),(b’-b),(c’-c))

The direction ratios of the line AB can be given by ((1+4),(3-2),(-2+3))

=(5,1,1)

Similarly, the direction ratios of the line BC can be given by ((-9-1),(1-3),(-4+2))

=(-10,-2,-2)

Tip – If it is shown that direction ratios of AB=λ times that of BC , where λ is any arbitrary constant, then the condition is sufficient to conclude that points A, B and C will be collinear.

So, d.r. of AB

=(5,1,1)

=(-1/2)Χ(-10,-2,-2)

=(-1/2)Хd.r. of BC

Hence, A, B and C are collinear