Therefore, AB + BC = AC, thus proving that the given equation is true.

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SUMMARY

The discussion demonstrates that the points A(-4, 6), B(-1, 2), and C(2, -2) are collinear by proving the equation AB + BC = AC using the distance formula. The calculations show that the distances AB and BC both equal 5, while AC equals 10, confirming that 5 + 5 = 10. This establishes that the three points lie on the same line, validating the initial assertion without the use of MathMagic Lite.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the distance formula in coordinate geometry
  • Knowledge of collinearity of points
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
  • Familiarity with Cartesian coordinates
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the properties of collinear points in geometry
  • Learn advanced applications of the distance formula in various geometric proofs
  • Study vector representation of points and their relationships
  • Investigate the use of software tools for geometric calculations, such as GeoGebra
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Students studying geometry, educators teaching coordinate systems, and anyone interested in understanding the relationships between points in a plane.

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Given A(-4, 6), B(-1, 2), and C(2, -2), show that AB + BC = AC.

Can this be done using the distance formula?
 
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Yes, and if this is true, then what must be true of the 3 points?
 
MarkFL said:
Yes, and if this is true, then what must be true of the 3 points?

If this is true, the 3 points are collinear or lie on the same line.
 
I will solve this question without using MathMagic Lite.

AB = sqrt{(2 - 6)^2 + (-1 + 5)^2}

AB = sqrt{9 + 16}

AB = sqrt{25}

AB = 5

BC = sqrt{2 + 1)^2 + (- 2 - 2)^2}

BC = sqrt{9 + 16}

BC = sqrt{25}

BC = 5

AC = sqrt{(6)^2 + (-8)^2}

AC = sqrt{36 + 64}

AC = sqrt{100}

AC = 10

AB + BC = AC

5 + 5 = 10

10 = 10
 

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