If you are finding the line perpendicular to x + 3y = 5, what is the slope of the perpendicular line?

Question

anonymous · Answer

It will always be the negative reciprocal of the line give. So first put that equation into standard form.
That will be y=-1/3x + 5/3
So that slope is -1/3 so perpendicular to that is 3, so 3 is the slope

anonymous · Answer

The slope is perpendicular to the original slope.  To begin, get your equation in slope-intercept form.  
x + 3y = 5  -> y = -1/3x + 5/3
So you see your slope is -1/3
By the definition of perpendicular, your perpendicular slope is the negative reciprocal of 3.
M=3 is the perpendicular slope of the new line.

anonymous · Answer

thank you!

anonymous · Answer

You're welcome (: