Question

Write the equation of the line that is perpendicular to the line 3x + y = 7 and passes through the point (6, −1)

Answer 1

so to make things a little easier the given line in slope intercept form is

y = -3x + 7

can you find the slope of the line..?

Answer 2

-3x?

Answer 3

not quite... its -3

so the slope of the perpendicular is the negative reciprocal....

so its 1/-(-3) = 1/3

so in slope intercept form the line is

y = 1/3 x + b

to find b, substitute your point values, x = 6 and y = -1

so you have

-1 = 1/3 *(6) + b

can you find the value of b..?

Answer 4

I really don't understand how to do this. :(

Answer 5

ok... so what is a third of 6

Answer 6

2

Answer 7

is that right?

Answer 8

thats correct so you have

-1 = 2 + b

whats the value of b

Answer 9

I dont know?

Answer 10

would 2 - 3 = -1...?

Answer 11

The slope of the line. -3 you put in as B.

Answer 12

@campbell_st yes.

Answer 13

so the equation of your perpendicular line will be

\[y = \frac{1}{3} x - 3\]

Answer 14

Thank you. :)