slope of a line

Question

What is the slope of a line perpendicular to the line y = 1/5x-3

Answer 1

Hy Barbara,

 

Let the slope of the perpendicular line be m.

 

The product of the two slopes is equal to - 1.

 

1/5 * m = - 1

 

m = - 5

 

The slope of the perpendicular line is - 5.

 

Good luck with your questions Barbara.

 

regards,

 

mayuran

 

 

Answer 2

compare the given specific equation to y = mx + b.

 

You'll find that the coefficient of x, called m in general, is intended to be 1/5 [AND THE x VALUE MULTIPLIES THIS COEFFICIENT]. 

 

Therefore the slope is 1/5 or 0.2 in decimal.