112k views
3 votes
What is the slope of a line that is perpendicular to the line whose equation is ax by=c?

1 Answer

4 votes

Answer:

b/a

Explanation:

Perpendicular lines have slopes that are opposite sign and reciprocals (flipped over).

In the equation

ax + by = c,

the slope of the line is

-a/b

If you haven't memorized this pattern yet, you can calculate it by solving ax+by=c for y.

by = -ax +c

y = -a/b x + c/b

The slope is -a/b

So a perpendicular line would be opposite sign and flipped, b/a

User Austin
by
7.7k points

No related questions found

Welcome to QAmmunity.org, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of our community.

9.4m questions

12.2m answers

Categories