Math Problem Statement

Find the slopes of NP and TW. Are NP and TW parallel, perpendicular, or neither? Explain your answer. Find the slope of the line perpendicular to NP. Find the distance between points T and W.

Solution

Let's analyze the math problem step by step based on the image you've uploaded.

1. Finding the slopes of NP\overline{NP} and TW\overline{TW}

For TW\overline{TW}:

  • The slope formula is given as: mTW=21=2m_{\overline{TW}} = -\frac{2}{1} = -2

For NP\overline{NP}:

  • The slope formula is given as: mNP=56m_{\overline{NP}} = \frac{5}{6}

2. Are NP\overline{NP} and TW\overline{TW} parallel, perpendicular, or neither?

For two lines to be:

  • Parallel: Their slopes must be equal.
  • Perpendicular: The product of their slopes should equal 1-1.

Let's check:

  • Slopes: mNP=56m_{\overline{NP}} = \frac{5}{6} and mTW=2m_{\overline{TW}} = -2.
  • The slopes are neither equal (so the lines are not parallel), nor is the product 1-1 (since 56×(2)=106\frac{5}{6} \times (-2) = -\frac{10}{6}, which is not 1-1).

So, NP\overline{NP} and TW\overline{TW} are neither parallel nor perpendicular.

3. Find the slope of the line perpendicular to NP\overline{NP}

  • The slope of a line perpendicular to NP\overline{NP} will be the negative reciprocal of mNP=56m_{\overline{NP}} = \frac{5}{6}.
  • The negative reciprocal of 56\frac{5}{6} is 65-\frac{6}{5}.

So, the slope of the perpendicular line is 65-\frac{6}{5}.

4. Find the distance between points T and W

The coordinates of the points T and W from the graph are approximately:

  • T(3,9)T(3, 9)
  • W(8,0)W(8, 0)

To find the distance between two points (x1,y1)(x_1, y_1) and (x2,y2)(x_2, y_2), use the distance formula: d=(x2x1)2+(y2y1)2d = \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2} Substituting the values: d=(83)2+(09)2=(5)2+(9)2=25+81=106d = \sqrt{(8 - 3)^2 + (0 - 9)^2} = \sqrt{(5)^2 + (-9)^2} = \sqrt{25 + 81} = \sqrt{106}

Thus, the distance between points T and W is approximately: d10.3 unitsd \approx 10.3 \text{ units}


Would you like any further details on this, or have any other questions?

Here are five related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. What conditions must be met for two lines to be parallel?
  2. How can you determine if two lines are perpendicular using their slopes?
  3. Can you calculate the distance between two points if they lie on the same vertical line?
  4. How does changing the slope of a line affect its steepness?
  5. What is the geometric interpretation of the distance formula?

Tip: For lines, a reciprocal slope means flipping the fraction and changing the sign, which helps you easily find perpendicular slopes!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Coordinate Geometry
Slopes of Lines
Perpendicular and Parallel Lines
Distance Formula

Formulas

Slope formula: m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)
Perpendicular slope: negative reciprocal of the original slope
Distance formula: d = sqrt((x2 - x1)^2 + (y2 - y1)^2)

Theorems

For parallel lines: Slopes are equal
For perpendicular lines: Product of slopes = -1

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10