Question

What would be perpendicular to a line that equation is y=1/2x-7 and pass through the point (-10,7)

Answer 1

y = -2x - 13

Explanation:

The slopes of perpendicular lines are opposite reciprocals, so the slope of the equation given is 1/2, so the opposite reciprocal of this is -2. Then plug the coordinates given into the point slope formula:

y - y1 = m ( x - x1)

y - 7 = -2 ( x - - 10)

Two negatives make a positive:

y - 7 = -2 ( x + 10)

Then, distribute the -2 to ( x + 10):

y - 7 = -2x - 20

Finally, add 7 to both sides, giving you your equation.

y = -2x - 13