Question

What is the equation of the line, in slope intercept form, that passes through the point (4,-1) and is perpendicular to the lone whose equation is 2x - y - 7 = 0

Answer 1

the desired equation is then y = (-1/2)x - 3.

Explanation:

First, determine the slope of the given lime 2x - y - 7 = 0. Rearranging these terms we get y = 2x - 7, and can then immediately see that the slope is 2.

Any new line that is perpendicular to 2x - y - 7 = 0 has a slope of m = -1/2.

Now write out the slope intercept form: y = mx + b

Substitute -1/2 for m, 4 for x and -1 for y: -1 = (-1/2)(4) + b.

Find the y-intercept, b:

-1 = -2 + b. Then b = -3, and the desired equation is then y = (-1/2)x - 3.