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What is the slope of a line that is perpendicular to the line y =-1/2x + 5?

-2
-1/2
1/2
2

User Kevnk
by
6.0k points

2 Answers

4 votes
To find the slope of a line perpendicular to another line, we simply need to find the inverse negative of the slope of the first one. This makes sense if you visualize it on a graph or in your head.

The slope of the line given is -1/2.

To find the inverse negative we first inverse the number, then take then negatuve of that (or opposite order).

The inverse of -1/2 is, -2 (switch the numerator and denominator or do to the power of -1, ^-1).

The negative of -2 is, 2.

Therefore the slope of the line perpendicular to y = -1/2x + 5 is 2.
User Sidpat
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4.9k points
2 votes
Perpendicular is opposite sign and reciprocal
2/1 = 2
User Ifatree
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5.9k points