2007-01-17 11:30:05 · 6 answers · asked by abucklvr 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
If you KNOW it is a straight line, then drawing a third point is used as a check, to help ensure that the first two are in the correct positions. If not all three points are in line, at least one of them is wrong.
If you are ASSUMING it is a straight line, then more points are needed to check if it is.
2007-01-17 11:35:37 · answer #1 · answered by Tom :: Athier than Thou 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suppose it depends on how much you know, or don't know. If you have only 2 points and draw a straight line, you must be assuming the 2 points are derived from linear means (y=mx+b, etc.). Whereas in reality the 2 points could be existing on a hyperbola, parabola, exponential curve, etc.
2007-01-17 11:38:32 · answer #2 · answered by Rico L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because how do you know it is a straight line? There are plenty of graphs that pass through two points - a parabola, for instance. Also, unless you know the slope, how do you know what the next point of the line might be (how steep it is)?
2007-01-21 09:40:21 · answer #3 · answered by kathyw 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is not really risky, just more chance for error. If you plot three points and can make a straight line, then your answer is probably correct
2007-01-17 11:34:37 · answer #4 · answered by Bill F 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is NOT risky because a straight line is determined by two of its points.
2007-01-17 11:37:35 · answer #5 · answered by santmann2002 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The third point is just a check, to make sure you didn' t mess up on one of your other points.
2007-01-17 11:56:23 · answer #6 · answered by equestrian45 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋