y=-1/3x-5; (12,0)

Question

find the equation of the line that is perpendicular to the given line and passes through the given point 12,0

 

Answer 1

Savannah, there are different ways to solve this, but let's try this one.

 

First, two lines that are perpendicular have opposite reciprocal slopes, so our new line will have a slope of 3/1, or 3.

 

Now, for the new line to pass through the given point, it must make the new equation true. We need to find a new value of b for our new equation.

 

Plugging in what we have...

 

0 = 3(12) + b

0 = 36 + b

b = -36

 

So, our new equation is y = 3x - 36.

 

Hope this helps!