Question

The equation of the line WX is 2X plus Y equals -5 what is the equation of a line perpendicular to line WX in slope intercept form that contains point negative one -2

Answer 1

`y = (1)/(2)x - (3)/(2)`

Explanation:

The equation of the line WX is, 2x + y = - 5

⇒ y = - 2x - 5 .......... (1)

This equation is in slope-intercept form and the slope is - 2 and the y-intercept is - 5.

Now, if a line perpendicular to equation (1) having slope m then, m × (- 2) = - 1

⇒
`m =  (1)/(2)`

{Since the product of slopes of two mutually perpendicular straight line is - 1}

Therefore, the equation of the perpendicular line is

`y = (1)/(2)x + c`, where c is a constant and we have to find it.

This above line passes through the point (-1,-2) and hence

`- 2 = (1)/(2)(- 1) + c`

⇒
`c = - (3)/(2)`

Therefore, the equation of the line will be
`y = (1)/(2)x - (3)/(2)` (Answer)