Question

Find the slope of a line parallel to the line through the given points.

P(-2, 4), Q(6, -2) @nikato

I got 4/3. Is this right?

Answer 1

I did \[\frac{ y2-y1 }{ x2-x1 } \] and got \[\frac{ -6 }{ 8 }\] simplified to \[\frac{ -3 }{ 4}\] parallel would be \[\frac{ 4 }{ 3 }\] right?

Answer 2

No, if 2 lines are parallel, they would have the same slope

Answer 3

S it'll be just -3/4

Answer 4

http://www.wtamu.edu/academic/anns/mps/math/mathlab/col_algebra/col_alg_tut28parallel.gif

Answer 5

4/3 would be the slope of the line perpendicular to it

Answer 6

but.... parallel is being an equal distance apart everywhere

Answer 7

But ur just finding the slope, right?

Answer 8

yes

Answer 9

Yes, and u found that it was -3/4 and the line parallel to that line would have the same slope, so that line also has a slope of -3/4

Answer 10

Oh, okay. Thank you!

Answer 11

Yea, no problem. Are u sure u understand it now?

Answer 12

I think I'm just a bit confused on what the slope actually is :T

Answer 13

I mean parallel means they don't touch, I don't understand how they could have the same anything

Answer 14

Slope is kinda like how much the line slants, like its steepness

Answer 15

Yes, parallel means they never touch. And in order for that to happen, they must have the same "steepness"

Answer 16

Oh, now I see. But perpendicular would have opposite slopes, right?

Answer 17

reciprocal with opposite sign would be for perpendicular

Answer 18

...what?

Answer 19

It would be the opposite slope right? e.g. -1/3 and 1/3

Answer 20

oops I meant -3/-1 and 1/3