Question

If Y (-7, -4) and Z (5, 2), find the slope of a line perpendicular to YZ

Answer 1

slope of perpendicular line = - 2

Explanation:

calculate the slope of YZ using the slope formula

m =
`(y_(2)-y_(1) )/(x_(2)-x_(1) )`

with (x₁, y₁ ) = Y (- 7, - 4 ) and (x₂, y₂ ) = Z (5, 2 )

`m_(YZ)` =
`(2-(-4))/(5-(-7))` =
`(2+4)/(5+7)` =
`(6)/(12)` =
`(1)/(2)`

given a line with slope m then the slope of a line perpendicular to it is

`m_(perpendicular)` = -
`(1)/(m)` = -
`(1)/((1)/(2) )` = - 2