Math Problem Statement

Find the slope of a line perpendicular to the line whose equation is 3, x, minus, 3, y, equals, 183x−3y=18. Fully simplify your answer.

Solution

We are given the equation of the line 3x3y=183x - 3y = 18, and we need to find the slope of a line perpendicular to it.

Step 1: Rewrite the equation in slope-intercept form (y=mx+by = mx + b), where mm is the slope.

We start with the given equation:

3x3y=183x - 3y = 18

Solve for yy:

  1. Subtract 3x3x from both sides: 3y=3x+18-3y = -3x + 18
  2. Divide the entire equation by 3-3 to isolate yy: y=x6y = x - 6

The slope of the given line is the coefficient of xx, which is m=1m = 1.

Step 2: Find the slope of the perpendicular line.

The slope of a line perpendicular to another is the negative reciprocal of the original slope. Since the slope of the original line is 11, the negative reciprocal of 11 is 1-1.

Thus, the slope of the line perpendicular to the given line is:

1\boxed{-1}

Would you like a deeper explanation, or have any questions?

Here are some related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. What is the slope of a line parallel to 3x3y=183x - 3y = 18?
  2. How do you convert an equation into slope-intercept form in general?
  3. What is the geometric meaning of perpendicular slopes?
  4. Can the slope of a line be zero, and what does that represent?
  5. How do you find the slope of a vertical line?

Tip: The product of the slopes of two perpendicular lines is always 1-1.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Slope of a Line
Perpendicular Lines

Formulas

Slope-intercept form: y = mx + b
Perpendicular slope: -1/m

Theorems

The product of the slopes of two perpendicular lines is -1

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10