Three points A B C lie on one straight line. The length of the segment AB is 3 cm, the segment BC
Three points A B C lie on one straight line. The length of the segment AB is 3 cm, the segment BC is 7 cm. Find the length of the segment AC.
1. If the points are located on a straight line in this order: A, B and C, then point B divides the segment AC into two segments – AB and BC. In this way:
AC = AB + BC.
Substitute the data for the value condition:
AC = 3 + 7;
AC = 10 cm.
Answer: AC = 10 cm.
2. If the points are located on a straight line in this order: A, C and B, then point C divides the segment AB into two segments – AC and BC. In this way:
AB = AC + BC.
Substitute the data for the value condition:
3 = AC + 7;
AC = 3 – 7;
AC = – 4 cm – this cannot be, since the length of the segment cannot be negative.
Answer: Ø.
3. If the points are located on a straight line in this order: B, A and C, then point A divides the segment BC into two segments – AB and AC. In this way:
BC = AB + AC.
Substitute the data for the value condition:
7 = 3 + AC;
AC = 7 – 3;
AC = 4 cm.
Answer: AC = 4 cm.
