Nelson-Denny Practice Test

Which of the following best defines "collinear"?

1. Non-linear

2. On the same line

3. Curved

4. Intersecting

The correct answer is: On the same line

The term "collinear" is defined as points that lie on the same straight line. This means that if you have two or more points, if they are collinear, you would be able to draw a single straight line that passes through all of them without deviation. This concept is fundamental in geometry, particularly in understanding the arrangement and relationship of points in space. In contrast, the other terms refer to arrangements of points that do not fit this definition. Non-linear refers to any points that do not form a straight line, while curved points suggest a bending path, indicating they cannot be collinear. Similarly, intersecting describes lines that cross each other at some point but do not imply that the points considered are on the same straight line. Therefore, the best definition of "collinear" is indeed "on the same line."