Write an Write an equation for a line perpendicular to y = − 3 x − 1 and passing through the point (3,-3) for a line perpendicular to y = − 3 x − 1 and passing through the point (3,-3)

Answer 1

Hi, Angie.

Okay, so the equation of the line is y = mx + b ....where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept.

For an equation of a line perpendicular, you need the slope (m) to be the oppositve reciprocal of the

first line.

In y = -3x-1.....the slope is -3

For a perpendicular line, the slope is -(1/-3) = 1/3

So, now you have:

y = (1/3)x - b

To find b, you need to substitute the point (3,-3) into your equation and solve for b.

-3 = (1/3)3 - b

-3 = 1 - b

b = 4

So, the equation you are looking for is:

y = (1/3)x - 4