Math Problem Statement

Line s has an equation of y = 1/3x - 5. Line t is perpendicular to line s and passes through (-2, 9). What is the equation of line t?

Solution

To find the equation of line tt, which is perpendicular to line ss and passes through the point (2,9)(-2, 9), follow these steps:

Step 1: Determine the Slope of Line tt

  1. The equation of line ss is given as: y=13x5y = \frac{1}{3}x - 5 This is in slope-intercept form y=mx+by = mx + b, where m=13m = \frac{1}{3} is the slope of line ss.

  2. For two lines to be perpendicular, the slopes must be negative reciprocals of each other. Therefore, the slope of line tt will be: mt=3m_t = -3

Step 2: Use the Point-Slope Form to Write the Equation of Line tt

Now that we know the slope of line tt is 3-3 and it passes through the point (2,9)(-2, 9), we can use the point-slope form of a line: yy1=m(xx1)y - y_1 = m(x - x_1) Substitute m=3m = -3, x1=2x_1 = -2, and y1=9y_1 = 9: y9=3(x+2)y - 9 = -3(x + 2)

Step 3: Simplify to Slope-Intercept Form

Expand and simplify to get the equation in slope-intercept form: y9=3x6y - 9 = -3x - 6 y=3x+3y = -3x + 3

Final Answer

The equation of line tt in slope-intercept form is: y=3x+3y = -3x + 3

Would you like more details on any step or have any questions?

Here are some related questions you might find helpful:

  1. How do you find the negative reciprocal of a fraction?
  2. What is the general form of a line’s equation?
  3. How do you convert from point-slope form to slope-intercept form?
  4. How can you verify that two lines are perpendicular?
  5. Why is the slope-intercept form useful in graphing lines?

Tip: When given a line and asked to find a perpendicular line, remember to find the negative reciprocal of the original slope for the perpendicular slope.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Slope-Intercept Form
Perpendicular Lines

Formulas

Slope-Intercept Form: y = mx + b
Point-Slope Form: y - y1 = m(x - x1)

Theorems

Perpendicular Slopes (negative reciprocal relationship)

Suitable Grade Level

Grade 9-10