Question

The equation of line WX is y = −2x − 5. Write an equation of a line perpendicular to line WX in slope-intercept form that contains point (−1, −2).

Answer 1

y = -2x - 5

m = -2

Explanation:

The perpendicular line has a negative reciprocal slope.

m = 1/2

You are also given a point, so use the point slope formula.

y - y1 = m(x - x1)

y + 2 = 1/2(x + 1)

y + 2 = 1/2x + 1/2

y = 1/2x - 3/2

So the line perpendicular to y = -2x - 5 in slope intercept form is:

y = 1/2x - 3/2

or

y = 0.5x - 1.5

Answer 2

Explanation:

y = -2x - 5.....slope here is -2. A perpendicular line will have a negative reciprocal slope. All that means is " flip " the slope and change the sign. So the slope we will need is : 1/2. See how I flipped the slope of -2/1 and changed it to -1/2.....now I change the sign making our new slope be 1/2.

y = mx + b

slope(m) = 1/2

(-1,-2).....x = -1 and y = -2

now sub and find b, the y int

-2 = 1/2(-1) + b

-2 = -1/2 + b

-2 + 1/2 = b

-4/2 + 1/2 = b

-3/2 = b

so ur perpendicular line is : y = 1/2x - 3/2