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What is an equation of the line that passes through the point (1, 3) and is perpendicular to the line x + 3y = 9?

What is an equation of the line that passes through the point (1, 3) and is perpendicular-example-1
User Chris Cinelli
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1 Answer

25 votes
25 votes

Answer: 3x-y = 0

This is equivalent to y = 3x

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Step-by-step explanation:

Rule: Given a line Ax+By = C, the line Bx-Ay = D is perpendicular to it.

The equation x+3y = 9 shows that A = 1, B = 3 and C = 9

Then we can say

Bx-Ay = D

3x-1y = D

3x-y = D

Plug in the coordinates of (1,3) to compute D

3x-y = D

3(1)-3 = D

0 = D

D = 0

Therefore, we go from Bx-Ay = D to 3x-y = 0

If you wanted to solve for y, then you would get y = 3x

The slope of this answer line is 3, and the y intercept is 0.

I recommend using graphing software like Desmos or GeoGebra to confirm the answer.

User John Hoge
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2.9k points