Ask your own question, for FREE!
Mathematics 20 Online
OpenStudy (anonymous):

help please! What is the slope of a line perpendicular to a line that contains the points (-3, 8) and (-3, -6)

OpenStudy (anonymous):

That line is not a funtion. I you compute the slope of the line, you have the following issue: \[m=\frac{ 8--6 }{ -3--3 }\] Which turns out to be: \[\frac{ 14 }{ 0 }=\infty \] You can't have a slope of infinity.

OpenStudy (anonymous):

Unless.....it's a vertical line. GASP!

OpenStudy (anonymous):

So, a line that is perpendicular to a line that has a slope of infinity has a slope of 0. DUH DUH DUH! (que scary music).

OpenStudy (anonymous):

k, lol thanks can you help me with a few more??

OpenStudy (anonymous):

Exactly...the two points contain the same x value meaning that it is a vertical line x=-3 therefore any horizontal line will be perpendicular to it. And a horizontal line has a slope of 0.

OpenStudy (anonymous):

so whats the answer?

OpenStudy (anonymous):

0

Can't find your answer? Make a FREE account and ask your own questions, OR help others and earn volunteer hours!

Join our real-time social learning platform and learn together with your friends!
Can't find your answer? Make a FREE account and ask your own questions, OR help others and earn volunteer hours!

Join our real-time social learning platform and learn together with your friends!