Jj R.

asked • 12/07/16

How do you write an equation for the line that is perpendicular to a given line on graph?

I need help on my math homework. Please assist.

Mark M.

Please provide the equation to which you want the perpendicular.
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12/07/16

Nadia B.

To find the equation of any line you need 2 things: slope and at least one point that the line goes through. 
 
If you have the original equation you can use slope intercept to find the slope and knowing that perpendicular lines have slopes that are negative reciprocals of each other, you can find the slope of the perpendicular line you seek.
 
For example, if the slope of one line is 3/1 a perpendicular line to it would have a slope of -1/3. Or if your original equation had a slope of -2/5 the perpendicular line would have a slope of 5/2. You now need a point on the perpendicular line to determine an exact equation. Check your problem for all the information given 
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12/07/16

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