Question

If a line has a slope of -5/2, then a perpendicular line would have a slope of 5/2???

Answer 1

no, but close! Because

(-5/2)(2/5) = -1

We have 2/5 for the slope of the perpendicular line.

Answer 2

What you look for is the "negative reciprocal". You look for a "flipped" fraction and then change the sign.

Answer 3

:( i was thinking the opposite ugh

Answer 4

thank you sweetie

Answer 5

That's ok, you learned something. If you use that "flipping" and then sign change, you can use that to get the perpendicular slope, as long as the original line is not horizontal, in which case the original slope is "0" and the perpendicular is "undefined".

Answer 6

So much darn math to know!

Answer 7

oh my goodness - you said it, sir!