Writing a equation for a line that is perpendicular line y=5x+1 and contains the point (–10,2)

Question

I need help. Thanks. Please make sure to tell me how in simple, easy way so that I can learn. Please. Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi Kenjiro,

 

Lines that are perpendicular have slopes that are negative reciprocals.

 

the line you are given is in the slope intercept form of y = mx + b

 

where m is the slope

 

so the slope of the line you want to find will be the negative reciprocal of 5

 

that means the slope will be -1/5

 

now use that slope in the equation y = mx +b

 

so

 

y = -1/5 x + b

 

and now we must find b,  we can do that by putting the values of x and y in the point you were given

 

2 =  -1/5(-10) + b

 

2 = 2 + b

 

and b = 0

 

so the equation of the line you want is

 

y = -1/5 x

 

Hope this helps