Please reference this
problem.
In the above referenced problem a debate was raised as to the validity of
given solution. This debate caused me to ponder the following problem.
If you place 3 points in a line then obviously every line through any 2
points will intersect exactly 3 points. Now the real question is, is it possible to place more than 3 points in a plane such that all lines between any 2 points intersect exactly 3 points, no more no less.
If the answer to the above question is in the negative, prove it. Otherwise, derive the appropriate example(s),
(In reply to
Proof by Jonathan Lindgren)
The is a more beautiful proof to a wider problem (at least in my opinion). It was an arab mathematician who thought of it first (in recorded history), but I cannot remember his name :(
Problem:
Given N points in plane, there is at least a line connecting 2 of the points, that does not pass through a third.
Proof:
Construct all lines passing through 2 points, and all non-zero distances from a point to a line. Because N is finite, there must be a minimum such distance. let A be the point and BC be the 2 points that determine the line. thus we have:
A
/_|__\
B H C
H is an artificial point, where the perpendicular from A intersects BC. It may not be part of the N points.
Now, if line BC does not contain another point D, problem is already proven.
If D is to the right of C, then the distance from C to the line AD is shorter than the minimum distance [which we established to be the distance from A to BC]
If D is between H anc C, then the distance from D to the line AC is shorter than the minimum distance
If D is between H anc B, then the distance from D to the line AB is shorter than the minimum distance
If D is to the left of B, then the distance from B to the line AD is shorter than the minimum distance