Math Problem Statement

Find the slope of a line perpendicular to the line whose equation is x - 3y = 27. Fully simplify your answer.

Solution

To solve the problem, let's break it down step by step:

Given:

The equation of the line is: x3y=27x - 3y = 27

Step 1: Rewrite the equation in slope-intercept form y=mx+by = mx + b

We start by solving for yy:

x3y=27x - 3y = 27 3y=x+27-3y = -x + 27 y=13x9y = \frac{1}{3}x - 9

Here, the slope mm of the line is 13\frac{1}{3}.

Step 2: Determine the slope of the line perpendicular to the given line.

The slope of a line perpendicular to another line is the negative reciprocal of the original slope.

Since the slope mm of the original line is 13\frac{1}{3}, the slope of the perpendicular line will be: mperpendicular=113=3m_{\text{perpendicular}} = -\frac{1}{\frac{1}{3}} = -3

Final Answer:

The slope of the line perpendicular to the given line is 3-3.

Would you like more details or have any other questions?


Here are 5 related questions to consider:

  1. How do you find the slope of a line given two points on the line?
  2. What is the significance of the slope-intercept form of a linear equation?
  3. How would you find the equation of a line perpendicular to another line passing through a specific point?
  4. How does the concept of negative reciprocals apply to parallel lines?
  5. How can the distance between a point and a line be calculated?

Tip: Always remember that the slopes of perpendicular lines are negative reciprocals of each other.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Linear Equations
Slopes of Lines

Formulas

Slope formula in slope-intercept form y = mx + b
Negative reciprocal of a slope

Theorems

Slopes of Perpendicular Lines

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10