Question

If Y (-7,-4) and (5,2), find the slope of a line perpendicular to YZ. Please help if you can

Answer 1

- 2

Explanation:

Calculate the slope m of YZ using the slope formula

m =
`(y_(2)-y_(1) )/(x_(2)-x_(1) )`

with (x₁, y₁ ) = Y(- 7, - 4) and (x₂, y₂ ) = Z(5, 2)

m =
`(2+4)/(5+7)` =
`(6)/(12)` =
`(1)/(2)`

Given a line with slope m then the slope of a line perpendicular to it is

`m_(perpendicular)` = -
`(1)/(m)` = -
`(1)/((1)/(2) )` = - 2

Answer 2

-2

Explanation:

The slop of YZ is 1/2. The slope perpendicular would be opposite, making it -2.