Math Problem Statement

What is the equation of a line that is perpendicular to the line y = −3x + 2 and passes through the point (6, 8)? A. y = 3x + 2 B. y = 3x – 10 C. y = 13 x + 2 D. y = 13 x + 6

Solution

To determine the equation of a line that is perpendicular to the given line y=3x+2y = -3x + 2 and passes through the point (6,8)(6, 8), we proceed as follows:

Step 1: Find the slope of the perpendicular line.

The slope of the given line y=3x+2y = -3x + 2 is m=3m = -3.
The slope of a line perpendicular to another is the negative reciprocal of the original slope. Thus, the slope of the perpendicular line is:

mperpendicular=13=13.m_{\text{perpendicular}} = \frac{-1}{-3} = \frac{1}{3}.

Step 2: Write the point-slope form of the equation.

The point-slope form of a line is:

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

where mm is the slope, and (x1,y1)(x_1, y_1) is a point on the line. Substituting m=13m = \frac{1}{3} and (x1,y1)=(6,8)(x_1, y_1) = (6, 8), we have:

y8=13(x6).y - 8 = \frac{1}{3}(x - 6).

Step 3: Simplify the equation.

Expand and simplify:

y8=13x2,y - 8 = \frac{1}{3}x - 2,

y=13x+6.y = \frac{1}{3}x + 6.

Thus, the equation of the line is:

y=13x+6.\boxed{y = \frac{1}{3}x + 6}.

Step 4: Match the options.

The correct answer is:

D. y=13x+6.\textbf{D. } y = \frac{1}{3}x + 6.


Do you want a step-by-step graphical explanation or details about slope properties?
Here are 5 related questions for deeper exploration:

  1. How do you find the slope of a line given two points?
  2. What is the general relationship between slopes of perpendicular lines?
  3. How do you determine if two lines are parallel?
  4. How can the point-slope form be converted into the slope-intercept form?
  5. What are real-life applications of perpendicular lines in geometry?

Tip: Always verify perpendicular slopes by multiplying them; their product should equal 1-1.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Slope of a Line
Perpendicular Lines
Point-Slope Form

Formulas

Slope formula: m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)
Point-slope form: y - y1 = m(x - x1)
Negative reciprocal property for perpendicular lines: m1 * m2 = -1

Theorems

Perpendicular Slopes Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10