Question
Find the slope of a line that is perpendicular to the line containing the points (–2, –1) and (2, –3).
A. m = –2
B. m = 2
C. m = negative one over two
D. m = –1
A. m = –2
B. m = 2
C. m = negative one over two
D. m = –1
Answers
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First, we need to find the slope of the line containing the points (-2, -1) and (2, -3):
m = (y2-y1)/(x2-x1) where (x1,y1) = (-2,-1) and (x2,y2) = (2,-3)
m = (-3-(-1))/(2-(-2)) = -2/4 = -1/2
The slope of a line perpendicular to this line will have a negative reciprocal slope. The negative reciprocal of -1/2 is 2 (flip the fraction and change the sign).
Therefore, the answer is B. m = 2.
m = (y2-y1)/(x2-x1) where (x1,y1) = (-2,-1) and (x2,y2) = (2,-3)
m = (-3-(-1))/(2-(-2)) = -2/4 = -1/2
The slope of a line perpendicular to this line will have a negative reciprocal slope. The negative reciprocal of -1/2 is 2 (flip the fraction and change the sign).
Therefore, the answer is B. m = 2.