Practice30Create account

How many distinct lines can be drawn passing through 4 collinear points (taking two at a time)?

Class 9Introduction to Euclid's GeometryGeometry — Foundations
  • A3
  • B0
  • C1
  • D2

Step-by-Step Solution

Collinear points all lie on the same line, so only ONE line passes through all four.
Answer: C) 1

Key idea: How a Euclid-style proof works

A proof builds a chain of statements, each justified by something already accepted.

**Example**: Two distinct lines cannot have more than one point in common.

**Proof**: Suppose two distinct lines ℓ and m had two points A and B in common.

- By Postulate 1, only one straight line can be drawn through A and B.
- So ℓ and m must be the same line — contradicting that they are distinct.
- Hence our supposition is false. ∎

This is **proof by contradiction** (reductio ad absurdum). Assume the opposite of what you want, derive an impossible conclusion, conclude the original must be true.

Master this chapter in 30 minutes a day.

Don't just memorise the answer — build a daily practice habit.

Practice 5 Similar Questions Free →

All Introduction to Euclid's Geometry practice questions

More Class 9 Introduction to Euclid's Geometry practice

Assertion (A): Two distinct lines in a plane can intersect in at most one point. Reason…Assertion (A): Euclid's fifth postulate is independent of the first four. Reason (R):…Which mathematician is credited with developing a non-Euclidean geometry by replacing…A proof method where you assume the opposite of what you want to prove and reach a…Which of the following is an UNDEFINED term in Euclidean geometry as treated in modern…