Math Problem Statement

A straight line has the equation y = -x + 4. What angle does the line make with the positive direction of the x-axis?

Solution

To solve this question, we need to find the angle that the line with equation y=x+4y = -x + 4 makes with the positive direction of the x-axis.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

  1. Line Equation Form: The equation of the line is y=x+4y = -x + 4, which can be written in the slope-intercept form: y=mx+by = mx + b where mm is the slope of the line, and bb is the y-intercept.

    In this case, m=1m = -1 and b=4b = 4.

  2. Relationship Between Slope and Angle: The slope mm of the line is related to the angle θ\theta it makes with the positive x-axis by the formula: m=tan(θ)m = \tan(\theta) So, we have: tan(θ)=1\tan(\theta) = -1

  3. Find the Angle: To find θ\theta, we use the inverse tangent (arctan) function: θ=tan1(1)\theta = \tan^{-1}(-1) This gives us an angle of θ=45\theta = -45^\circ. However, this is a negative angle, measured clockwise from the positive x-axis. To find the corresponding positive angle (measured counterclockwise), we add 180180^\circ: θ=18045=135\theta = 180^\circ - 45^\circ = 135^\circ

Therefore, the angle that the line makes with the positive x-axis is 135°.

Correct Answer: C (135°)


Would you like further details or explanations on any step? Here are some related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. How does the slope of a line affect the angle it makes with the x-axis?
  2. What is the significance of the negative sign in the slope of a line?
  3. How can you find the angle for a line with a positive slope?
  4. What is the general procedure to convert a negative angle to a positive angle?
  5. How would the answer change if the slope was different, say m=2m = -2?

Tip: Remember, if a line's slope is negative, the angle it makes with the x-axis will always be greater than 9090^\circ but less than 180180^\circ.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Geometry
Trigonometry

Formulas

Slope of a line: m = tan(θ)
Finding angle: θ = arctan(m)

Theorems

Relationship between slope and angle with x-axis

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12