Question

Write the equation of the line which passes through (2, 1) and is perpendicular to x = –2

Can someone please explain? :)

Answer 1

If lines are perpendicular, what do you know about their slopes?

Answer 2

i know their slopes are negative reciprocals

Answer 3

Correct.

Answer 4

SO if x= -2, is there a slope?

Answer 5

yes -2 is the slope i think

Answer 6

No no wait i think the slope is 0

Answer 7

Yes, slope is 0.

Answer 8

so is x=-2 a vertical or horizontal line?

Answer 9

vertical

Answer 10

Great, so what kind of line is perpendicular to a vertical line?

Answer 11

a horizontal line?

Answer 12

Yes.

Answer 13

Horizontal lines have a slope of ?

Answer 14

0 as well

Answer 15

0 as well

Answer 16

Yes. So what horizontal line passes through your point (2,1)?

Answer 17

it passes through 1 because 1 is on the y axis and is horizontal on the graph?

Answer 18

it passes through 1 because 1 is on the y axis and is horizontal on the graph?

Answer 19

Yes, your line passes through 1 on the y axis. But what is the equation of your line?

Answer 20

x = 1 ?

Answer 21

x = 1 ?

Answer 22

No, we've established that x=? is always a vertical line. You want a horizontal line.

Answer 23

oh y = 1

Answer 24

Yes!

Answer 25

So y = 1 is the correct answer :)

Answer 26

Yes, y=1 is the correct answer.

Answer 27

Thank you for taking the time out to explain! :)

Answer 28

You're welcome.

Answer 29

Thanks for the testimonial.

Answer 30

No problem!