Math Problem Statement

Write the equation of a line that passes through the point (-6, 9) and is perpendicular to a line that passes through the points (-2, 1) and (6, 7) in slope-intercept form.

Solution

Let's solve the problem step by step:

We need to write the equation of a line that:

  1. Passes through the point (-6, 9).
  2. Is perpendicular to a line passing through the points (-2, 1) and (6, 7).

Step 1: Find the slope of the given line.

The slope mm of a line passing through two points (x1,y1)(x_1, y_1) and (x2,y2)(x_2, y_2) is given by the formula:

m=y2y1x2x1m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}

Substituting the coordinates of the points (-2, 1) and (6, 7):

m=716(2)=68=34m = \frac{7 - 1}{6 - (-2)} = \frac{6}{8} = \frac{3}{4}

So, the slope of the given line is m=34m = \frac{3}{4}.

Step 2: Find the slope of the perpendicular line.

The slope of a line perpendicular to another line is the negative reciprocal of the original slope. The negative reciprocal of 34\frac{3}{4} is:

mperpendicular=43m_{\text{perpendicular}} = -\frac{4}{3}

Step 3: Write the equation of the line.

We now know the slope of the required line is 43-\frac{4}{3}, and it passes through the point (-6, 9). Using the point-slope form of the equation of a line:

yy1=m(xx1)y - y_1 = m(x - x_1)

Substituting m=43m = -\frac{4}{3}, x1=6x_1 = -6, and y1=9y_1 = 9:

y9=43(x(6))y - 9 = -\frac{4}{3}(x - (-6))

Simplifying:

y9=43(x+6)y - 9 = -\frac{4}{3}(x + 6)

Distribute the slope:

y9=43x8y - 9 = -\frac{4}{3}x - 8

Now, add 9 to both sides:

y=43x+1y = -\frac{4}{3}x + 1

Final Answer:

The equation of the line in slope-intercept form is:

y=43x+1y = -\frac{4}{3}x + 1

Would you like more details on this solution, or do you have any other questions?

Here are some related questions for further practice:

  1. What is the slope of a line perpendicular to a line with slope 2?
  2. How do you find the equation of a line parallel to a given line?
  3. How would the equation change if the line passed through a different point, like (-4, 5)?
  4. Can a vertical line be perpendicular to another line? What is its slope?
  5. How would you graph the equation of this line?

Tip: Remember, when two lines are perpendicular, their slopes are negative reciprocals of each other.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Coordinate Geometry
Slopes of Lines

Formulas

Slope of a line: m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)
Point-slope form: y - y1 = m(x - x1)
Slope-intercept form: y = mx + b

Theorems

Slopes of perpendicular lines are negative reciprocals

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12