SOLUTION: A line contains the points C (4 1/2, -3) and D (6 1/2, 6) What is the slpe of all lines perpendicular to CD?

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Lessons -> SOLUTION: A line contains the points C (4 1/2, -3) and D (6 1/2, 6) What is the slpe of all lines perpendicular to CD?       Log On


   

Question 53749: A line contains the points C (4 1/2, -3) and D (6 1/2, 6) What is the slpe of all lines perpendicular to CD?
Answer by rchill(405) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
You first need to determine the slope m of the two points. Just substitute into the slope formula m=%28y%5B2%5D-y%5B1%5D%29%2F%28x%5B2%5D-x%5B1%5D%29 and we get m=%28-3-6%29%2F%284.5-6.5%29. That reduces to m=-9%2F-2, or m=9%2F2. The slope of any line perpendicular to that slope is just the reciprical and change the sign. So, that means a perpendicular line to the one containing your points is -2%2F9.