Question

Line ST and point V are shown on the graph.

On a coordinate plane, line S T goes through (negative 5, 0) and (5, 2). Point V is at (0, negative 2).

Line VW is to be drawn on the graph such that it is perpendicular to line ST. If the coordinates of point W are (−1, y), what is the value of y?

−7
−5
2
3

Answer 1

Slope of ST = (2 − 0)/(5 − (−5)) = 2/10 = 1/5, so perpendicular slope = −5. Line through V(0,−2) with slope −5: y = −5x − 2. At x = −1, y = −5(−1) − 2 = 5 − 2 = 3.

Answer: 3.