Math Problem Statement

Given the coordinates of the points A(4, 0), B(0, −3) and C(0, 0) find the sum of the slope and y-intercept for the line containing C and perpendicular to AB

Solution

To solve this problem, we need to determine the slope and yy-intercept of the line containing C(0,0)C(0, 0) that is perpendicular to line ABAB, and then find the sum of these values.

Step 1: Determine the slope of line ABAB

The coordinates of points AA and BB are A(4,0)A(4, 0) and B(0,3)B(0, -3). The slope of a line passing through two points is calculated as: mAB=y2y1x2x1m_{AB} = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} Substituting: mAB=3004=34=34m_{AB} = \frac{-3 - 0}{0 - 4} = \frac{-3}{-4} = \frac{3}{4}

Thus, the slope of ABAB is mAB=34m_{AB} = \frac{3}{4}.

Step 2: Slope of the perpendicular line

The slope of a line perpendicular to another line is the negative reciprocal of the original slope. For mAB=34m_{AB} = \frac{3}{4}, the perpendicular slope is: m=1mAB=43m_{\perp} = -\frac{1}{m_{AB}} = -\frac{4}{3}

Step 3: Equation of the perpendicular line

The line containing C(0,0)C(0, 0) and perpendicular to ABAB has slope m=43m_{\perp} = -\frac{4}{3}. The equation of a line can be written as: y=mx+by = mx + b Since the line passes through C(0,0)C(0, 0), the point satisfies the equation, and the yy-intercept is: b=0b = 0 Thus, the equation of the line is: y=43xy = -\frac{4}{3}x

Step 4: Sum of the slope and yy-intercept

The slope is m=43m = -\frac{4}{3}, and the yy-intercept is b=0b = 0. The sum is: Sum=m+b=43+0=43\text{Sum} = m + b = -\frac{4}{3} + 0 = -\frac{4}{3}

Final Answer:

The sum of the slope and yy-intercept for the line is: 43\boxed{-\frac{4}{3}}

Do you want details or have any questions about the solution?

Here are 5 related questions to explore further:

  1. What is the general method for finding the equation of a line perpendicular to another line?
  2. How would the solution change if CC were not at the origin?
  3. What are the steps to verify the perpendicularity of two lines algebraically?
  4. How do you derive the distance from a point to a line using the line equation?
  5. Can we find the point of intersection of two lines if their equations are known?

Tip: When finding slopes, always double-check signs to ensure correct calculations for perpendicular lines.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Coordinate Geometry
Linear Equations
Slopes of Lines
Perpendicular Lines

Formulas

Slope formula m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)
Equation of a line y = mx + b

Theorems

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

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11