Number of straight lines from 10 points with 7 collinear: How many distinct straight lines can be formed?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 25

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Distinct lines arise from pairs of points, but when many points are collinear, all pairs among them correspond to the same line and must not be overcounted.


Given Data / Assumptions:
10 points total; 7 on one line; assume the other 3 are in general position relative to the 7 and each other.


Concept / Approach:
Total potential lines from all pairs minus the overcount among the collinear 7, then add back that single line once.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Total pairs = C(10, 2) = 45Pairs along the 7-point line = C(7, 2) = 21Distinct lines = 45 − 21 + 1 = 25


Verification / Alternative check:
List categories: the one big line from the 7, lines from an off-line point to each of the 7, and lines among off-line points — totals reconcile to 25.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
26 or 21 result from missing either the subtraction or the add-back of one line.


Common Pitfalls:
Forgetting to add the unique collinear line back after subtracting its pairs.


Final Answer:
25

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