Question

What is an equation of the line that passes through the point (4, -3) and is

perpendicular to the line
4x +y = 3?

Answer 1

y = 1/4x - 4

Explanation:

If you put the equation in slope-intercept form y=mx+b, then you have y=-4x+3, so the slope is -4. Then take the negative reciprocal of that so you have the perpendicular slope 1/4. Plug in x, y, and, m into the equation and solve for b.

-3 = 1/4(4) + b

-3 = 1 + b

-4 = b, then rewrite the equation with the new slope and the b you found.

y = 1/4x - 4