Math Problem Statement

The given line passes through the points and (4, 1).

On a coordinate plane, a line goes through (negative 4, negative 3) and (4, 1).

What is the equation, in point-slope form, of the line that is perpendicular to the given line and passes through the point (, 3)?

Solution

To find the equation of the line that is perpendicular to the given line and passes through a specific point, we can follow these steps:

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:

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

For the given points (4,3)(-4, -3) and (4,1)(4, 1):

m=1(3)4(4)=1+34+4=48=12m = \frac{1 - (-3)}{4 - (-4)} = \frac{1 + 3}{4 + 4} = \frac{4}{8} = \frac{1}{2}

So, the slope of the given line is m=12m = \frac{1}{2}.

2. Find the Slope of the Perpendicular Line

The slope of a line perpendicular to another line is the negative reciprocal of the original line's slope. Therefore, the slope mm' of the perpendicular line is:

m=1m=112=2m' = -\frac{1}{m} = -\frac{1}{\frac{1}{2}} = -2

3. Write the Equation in Point-Slope Form

The point-slope form of a line's equation is:

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

You mentioned the point the perpendicular line passes through as (x1,3)(x_1, 3). However, it seems like the x-coordinate was not provided. If we assume the point to be (x1,3)(x_1, 3), the equation in point-slope form would be:

y3=2(xx1)y - 3 = -2(x - x_1)

Conclusion

The equation of the line perpendicular to the given line and passing through the point (x1,3)(x_1, 3) in point-slope form is:

y3=2(xx1)\boxed{y - 3 = -2(x - x_1)}

If you provide the x-coordinate for the point, I can give you the exact equation.

Would you like more details on this process, or do you have any questions? Here are some related questions:

  1. How do you find the equation of a line given two points?
  2. What is the relationship between the slopes of parallel and perpendicular lines?
  3. How can you convert from point-slope form to slope-intercept form?
  4. How do you determine the slope of a line from its equation?
  5. What is the general formula for the distance between two points on a coordinate plane?

Tip: Always remember, for perpendicular lines, the product of their slopes equals 1-1.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Coordinate Geometry
Lines and Slopes
Perpendicular Lines

Formulas

Slope formula
Point-slope form of a line equation

Theorems

Perpendicular slopes theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9