The centroid of a triangle ABC\mathrm{ABC} is at the point (1,1,1)(1{,}1{,}1). If the coordinates of A\mathrm{A} and B\mathrm{B} are (3,−5,7)(3,-5{,}7) and (−1,7,−6)(-1{,}7,-6), respectively, find the coordinates of the point C.

Answer: The coordinates of point C are (1,1,2)(1{,}1{,}2).

Step-by-step solution

Step 1: Recall the Centroid Formula

The centroid GG of a triangle with vertices A(xA,yA,zA)A(x_A, y_A, z_A), B(xB,yB,zB)B(x_B, y_B, z_B), and C(xC,yC,zC)C(x_C, y_C, z_C) is given by the average of the coordinates of its vertices. This formula helps us relate the known centroid and vertex coordinates to the unknown coordinates of point C.

Step 2: Substitute Known Values

We are given the coordinates of the centroid G(1,1,1)G(1{,}1{,}1), point A(3,−5,7)A(3,-5{,}7), and point B(−1,7,−6)B(-1{,}7,-6). We substitute these values into the centroid formula, leaving xC,yC,zCx_C, y_C, z_C as unknowns.

Step 3: Formulate Equations for Each Coordinate

By simplifying the numerators and equating the corresponding coordinates of the centroid, we obtain three separate linear equations, one for each coordinate (xC,yC,zCx_C, y_C, z_C).

Step 4: Solve for xC,yC,zCx_C, y_C, z_C

We solve each linear equation for its respective unknown. For each equation, we multiply both sides by 3 and then isolate the variable to find the coordinates of point C.

Step 5: State the Coordinates of C

Combining the calculated values for xC,yC,x_C, y_C, and zCz_C, we get the coordinates of point C.

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