Let $$a, b, c$$ be real numbers with $${a^2} + {b^2} + {c^2} = 1.$$ Show that

the equation $$\left| {\matrix{ {ax - by - c} & {bx + ay} & {cx + a} \cr {bx + ay} & { - ax + by - c} & {cy + b} \cr {cx + a} & {cy + b} & { - ax - by + c} \cr } } \right| = 0$$

represents a straight line.

For points $$P\,\,\, = \left( {{x_1},\,{y_1}} \right)$$ and $$Q\,\,\, = \left( {{x_2},\,{y_2}} \right)$$ of the co-ordinate plane, a new distance $$d\left( {P,\,Q} \right)$$ is defined by $$d\left( {P,\,Q} \right)$$$$ = \left( {{x_2},\,{y_2}} \right)\left| {{x_1} - {x_2}} \right| + \left| {{y_1} - {y_2}} \right|.$$ Let $$O = (0, 0)$$ and $$A = (3, 2)$$. Prove that the set of points in the first quadrant which are equidistant (with respect to the new distance) from $$O$$ and $$A$$ consists of the union of a line segment of finite length and an infinite ray. Sketch this set in a labelled diagram.

Let $$ABC$$ and $$PQR$$ be any two triangles in the same plane. Assume that the prependiculars from the points $$A, B, C$$ to the sides $$QR, RP, PQ$$ respectively are concurrent. Using vector methods or otherwise, prove that the prependiculars from $$P, Q, R $$ to $$BC,$$ $$CA$$, $$AB$$ respectively are also concurrent.

Using co-ordinate geometry, prove that the three altitudes of any triangle are concurrent.