Math Problem Statement

Referring to the figure, decide whether the lines are a. parallel b. perpendicular c. neither

Referring to the figure, decide whether the lines are a. parallel b. perpendicular c. neither

Solution

To determine whether the lines in the image are parallel, perpendicular, or neither, let's analyze their slopes.

Analyzing the Slopes:

  1. Identify the lines: There are three lines labeled in the graph.

    • Line EFEF
    • Line FGFG
    • Line HIHI
  2. Calculate the slopes:

    • The slope of a line is calculated by using the formula m=ΔyΔxm = \frac{\Delta y}{\Delta x}, where Δy\Delta y is the change in the yy-coordinate, and Δx\Delta x is the change in the xx-coordinate.
  3. Slopes of the lines:

    • Line EFEF: This line appears to be vertical. The slope of a vertical line is undefined.
    • Line FGFG: This line is diagonal, with a positive slope. To determine the exact slope, count the rise over run.
    • Line HIHI: This line is also diagonal but appears to have a different angle compared to FGFG.

Conclusion:

  • Parallel lines have the same slope.
  • Perpendicular lines have slopes that are negative reciprocals of each other (e.g., m1×m2=1m_1 \times m_2 = -1).
  • Neither if none of these conditions apply.

Since line EFEF is vertical (undefined slope), it's not parallel or perpendicular to any of the other lines. The other two lines, FGFG and HIHI, do not appear to be parallel (since their slopes are not identical) or perpendicular (since their slopes are not negative reciprocals).

Thus, the lines in the figure are neither parallel nor perpendicular.

Would you like more details on this? Here are some related questions you might be interested in:

  1. How can we calculate the exact slopes of FGFG and HIHI?
  2. What are the conditions for lines to be perpendicular in detail?
  3. How would the graph change if one of the lines were parallel to the x-axis?
  4. Can we have perpendicular lines if one is vertical or horizontal?
  5. What does it mean for two lines to be coincident?

Tip: Always check the direction and relative angles of lines carefully to distinguish between parallel, perpendicular, and neither.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Slope of a Line
Parallel and Perpendicular Lines

Formulas

Slope formula: m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)

Theorems

Parallel lines have the same slope
Perpendicular lines have slopes that are negative reciprocals

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10