Question

Show that the line through the points (4, 7, 8) (2, 3, 4) is parallel to the line through the points (−1, −2, 1), (1, 2, 5).

Answer 1

Let AB be the line through the points, (4, 7, 8) and (2, 3, 4), and CD be the line through the points, (−1, −2, 1) and (1, 2, 5). 

The directions ratios, a_1, b₁, c₁, of AB are (2 − 4), (3 − 7), and (4 − 8) i.e., −2, −4, and −4.

The direction ratios, a₂, b₂, c₂, of CD are (1 − (−1)), (2 − (−2)), and (5 − 1) i.e., 2, 4, and 4.

Thus, AB is parallel to CD.