Question

Write an equation of the line that passes through the given point and is perpendicular to the given line. (–6, –4); y = 1/3x + 1

Help me please!

Answer 1

y + 4 = -3(x + 6)

Explanation:

the slope of the given line is 1/3; the slope of any new line perpendicular to the given line is the negative reciprocal of 1/3, which works out to -3.

Using the point-slope formula as a starting point and substituting the coordinates of the point for h and k, we get:

y - k = m(x - h), or

y + 4 = -3(x + 6)

Note: this is equivalent to y = -4 - 3x - 18, or y = -3x - 22