Question 1
There are 12 points in a plane, of which 3 are collinear. How many triangles can be formed by joining these points?
Step-by-Step Solution:
Concept: Geometrical combination with constraint. Three collinear points cannot form a triangle.
Strategy: Use complementary counting:
Total valid triangles = All possible triangles - Invalid triangles
Given:
- Total points: 12
- Collinear points: 3
Triangle Formation Rule: We need exactly 3 non-collinear points to form a triangle.
Step 1 - Calculate Total Possible Selections:
Selecting any 3 points from 12 points: C(12,3)
C(12,3) = 12! / [3! × 9!] = 220
Step 2 - Calculate Invalid Triangles:
3 collinear points don't form a triangle.
Selecting 3 points from 3 collinear points: C(3,3)
C(3,3) = 3! / [3! × 0!] = 1
Step 3 - Apply Complementary Counting:
Valid triangles = Total selections - Invalid selections
= 220 - 1
= 219
Key Technique: Complementary counting is often easier than direct counting when dealing with restrictions.
Verification: Answer should be less than C(12,3) = 220 since we have a constraint.
Related Concepts:
- For lines from n points: C(n,2) - (collinear points consideration)
- For quadrilaterals: C(n,4) with appropriate constraints
Concept: Geometrical combination with constraint. Three collinear points cannot form a triangle.
Strategy: Use complementary counting:
Total valid triangles = All possible triangles - Invalid triangles
Given:
- Total points: 12
- Collinear points: 3
Triangle Formation Rule: We need exactly 3 non-collinear points to form a triangle.
Step 1 - Calculate Total Possible Selections:
Selecting any 3 points from 12 points: C(12,3)
C(12,3) = 12! / [3! × 9!] = 220
Step 2 - Calculate Invalid Triangles:
3 collinear points don't form a triangle.
Selecting 3 points from 3 collinear points: C(3,3)
C(3,3) = 3! / [3! × 0!] = 1
Step 3 - Apply Complementary Counting:
Valid triangles = Total selections - Invalid selections
= 220 - 1
= 219
Key Technique: Complementary counting is often easier than direct counting when dealing with restrictions.
Verification: Answer should be less than C(12,3) = 220 since we have a constraint.
Related Concepts:
- For lines from n points: C(n,2) - (collinear points consideration)
- For quadrilaterals: C(n,4) with appropriate constraints