Question

Determine whether the lines -x-2y = 3 and (x+2y)/2 = 1 are parallel, perpendicular, or neither. What to do with the (x+2y)/2?

Answer 1

Distribute the (1/2) leaving you with: (1/2)x+y=1 then subtract the (1/2)x giving:
y=(-1/2)x+1
Solve the other: -2y=3+x
y=(-3/2)+(-1/2)x
So, since the slopes are the same, they are parallel. :)

Answer 2

Did that make sense?

Answer 3

How do you distribute (1/2)?

Answer 4

I've only used the distributive property for whole numbers..

Answer 5

Do you agree that dividing by 2 is the same as multiplying by (1/2)? You don't treat the distributive property any different for fractions (or anything for that matter :P).

Answer 6

For example:
Say you have x(6+3) you add the 6 and 3 right? Or x(9)=9x.

But check this out. Instead, distribute the x. Giving: 6x+3x. But that also equals 9x. Don't let the fraction scare you, it distributes just as any whole number :)

Answer 7

So I just imagine a 1 above the dash, over the 2?

Answer 8

Yes. For example: Take 9/3. That equals 3 right? Well that is the same as 9(1/3).

Answer 9

Ok. Thanks.

Answer 10

No problem, if you run into any problems just post the questions and I can help you (or someone else if you wish)