Question

Write an equation perpendicular to the line y = 3x + 5 through the point (6, -5). State your answer as y=mx+b.

Answer 1

y=(-1/3) x - 3

Explanation:

A line that is perpendicular to it has a slope that is an opposite reciprocal, which in this case is -1/3. Now you use point slope form which is y-y1=m(x-x1) that would be y+5=-1/3(x-6). Distribute the -1/3 and get y+5= -1/3 x+ 2. Subtract 5 from both sides and get y=-1/3 x - 3