SOLUTION: Find an equation of the line that passes through (–3, 1) and is perpendicular to y = (1/2)x + 4. Write answer in slope–intercept form.

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Question 10277: Find an equation of the line that passes through (–3, 1) and is perpendicular to y = (1/2)x + 4. Write answer in slope–intercept form.

Answer by rapaljer(4671) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The slope of the line y = (1/2)x + 4 is m=1/2. The slope of a line perpendicular to this line is the negative reciprocal of 1/2, which is -2.

So, you need a line in the form y = mx + b, that passes through (-3,1) with a slope m= -2. Write the equaition y = mx+b, and substitute m=-2, x=-3, and y=1, and solve for b.
y=mx+b
1=(-2)(-3) + b
1=6 + b
b= -5

The equation is y=-2x-5

Check: write
y=mx+b
1=-2(-3) - 5
1=6-5

R^2 at SCC