SOLUTION: Given the line ax+by=3 where a and b are real numbers find the values for a and b so that the line is perpendicular to the x-axis

Algebra ->  Linear-equations -> SOLUTION: Given the line ax+by=3 where a and b are real numbers find the values for a and b so that the line is perpendicular to the x-axis      Log On


   

Question 703671: Given the line ax+by=3 where a and b are real numbers find the values for a and b so that the line is perpendicular to the x-axis
Answer by AnlytcPhil(1806) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Lines perpendicular to the x-axis are vertical and have no slope,
however they do have equations of the form 

      x = k

The right side of

ax + by = 3

is 3

So if we take k = 3, we would have

x = 3

That's the same as

1x = 3

and also the same as

1x + 0y = 3

ax + by = 3

Ao a = 1 and b = 0

Edwin