Question

If AD is the altitude to BC, what is the slope of AD?

A. 2/5
B. -5/2
C. 5/2
D. -2/5

Answer 1

Option (C)

Explanation:

If AD is the altitude to BC, both the segments AD and BC will be perpendicular to each other.

By the property of perpendicular lines,

`m_1* m_2=-1`

where
`m_1` is the slope of the line AD and
`m_2` is the slope of BC.

`m_2=(y_2-y_1)/(x_2-x_1)`

`=(8+2)/(3-7)`

`=-(5)/(2)`

Now from the given property,

`m_1* (-(2)/(5))=-1`

`m_1=(5)/(2)`

Therefore, slope of altitude BC =
`(5)/(2)`

Option (C) will be the answer.