problem solving

Question

A triangle has vertices  A ( -4 , 6 ) , B ( -6 , -4 ) , and  C ( 5 , -1 ) . Find the slope of the altitude from point  A

Answer 1

The altitude from A will be perpendicular to BC. Label the point where the altitude intersects BC as D. Perpendicular lines

have slopes that are negative reciprocals of each other. So, first find the slope of BC.

m = y₂ - y₁

       x₂ - x₁

 

m = -1 + 4

        5 + 6

m = 3/11

So, the slope of AD = -11/3