Math Problem Statement

Decide whether the lines are parallel, perpendicular, or intersecting but not perpendicular.  Show your work and and explain your answer.

Line 1: 2y - x = 2

Line 2: y + 2x = 4

Solution

We are given two lines, and we need to determine whether they are parallel, perpendicular, or intersecting but not perpendicular.

Step 1: Write each equation in slope-intercept form (i.e., y=mx+by = mx + b, where mm is the slope).

For both lines, let's solve for yy.

Line 1: 2yx=22y - x = 2

Solve for yy: 2y=x+22y = x + 2 y=12x+1y = \frac{1}{2}x + 1 So, the slope of Line 1 is m1=12m_1 = \frac{1}{2}.

Line 2: y+2x=4y + 2x = 4

Solve for yy: y=2x+4y = -2x + 4 So, the slope of Line 2 is m2=2m_2 = -2.

Step 2: Analyze the slopes.

  • If two lines are parallel, their slopes will be equal: m1=m2m_1 = m_2.
  • If two lines are perpendicular, their slopes will be negative reciprocals of each other: m1×m2=1m_1 \times m_2 = -1.
  • If two lines are neither parallel nor perpendicular, they will intersect but not at a right angle.

Step 3: Compare the slopes.

  • The slope of Line 1 is m1=12m_1 = \frac{1}{2}.
  • The slope of Line 2 is m2=2m_2 = -2.

Now, check if the lines are perpendicular: m1×m2=12×(2)=1m_1 \times m_2 = \frac{1}{2} \times (-2) = -1 Since m1×m2=1m_1 \times m_2 = -1, the lines are perpendicular.

Final Answer:

The two lines are perpendicular.

Would you like more details on how slopes determine the relationship between lines, or have any other questions?


Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How do you determine if two lines are parallel from their equations?
  2. What is the geometric meaning of perpendicular lines?
  3. Can two lines with the same y-intercept ever be perpendicular?
  4. How do we find the point of intersection between two non-parallel lines?
  5. How does changing the slope affect the orientation of a line?

Tip: When finding slopes, always make sure the equation is in slope-intercept form y=mx+by = mx + b to easily identify the slope!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Linear Equations
Slopes of Lines

Formulas

Slope-Intercept Form y = mx + b
Slope of Perpendicular Lines m1 * m2 = -1

Theorems

Properties of Parallel and Perpendicular Lines

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10