Question 587490
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You first have to check to see that the three points are collinear.  If they are, then you can choose any two of the points and use the two-point form to write an equation of a line where the solution set contains all three points.  On the other hand, if they are not collinear, you have to find the equation of a conic section that fits the data.


The three points are collinear if and only if the slopes of the lines containing any pair of the three points are equal.  So first use the slope formula on any pair of the given points:


*[tex \LARGE \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ m\ =\ \frac{y_1\ -\ y_2}{x_1\ -\ x_2} ]


where *[tex \Large \left(x_1,y_1\right)] and *[tex \Large \left(x_2,y_2\right)] are the coordinates of the given points.


Then do it again for a different pair of the points.  If the slopes are equal, then the points are collinear and you can use the two-point equation on any pair.


If they are not collinear, write back and we'll deal with the problem from there.


John
*[tex \LARGE e^{i\pi} + 1 = 0]
My calculator said it, I believe it, that settles it
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