Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Points are collinear if one point divides the segment joining the other two in some ratio. If the ratios calculated for X and Y coordinates differ, the points are not collinear.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
A: \((-4, 2)\), O: \((0, 0)\), B: \((4, -4)\).
Assume O divides AB in ratio \(k:1\).
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Using the X-coordinate of O:
\[ 0 = \frac{k(4) + 1(-4)}{k + 1} \]
\[ 4k - 4 = 0 \implies k = 1 \]
If collinear, O must divide AB in ratio \(1:1\). Let's check this ratio using the Y-coordinate.
If \(k=1\), the Y-coordinate should be:
\[ y = \frac{1(-4) + 1(2)}{1 + 1} = \frac{-2}{2} = -1 \]
But the Y-coordinate of O is 0. Since \(0 \neq -1\), the point O does not lie on the line segment AB in a single consistent ratio.
Step 4: Final Answer:
Since the ratios for X and Y coordinates do not match, the points A, O, and B are not collinear.