SOLUTION: what is the slop of a line perpendicular to the line 12x-4y=7

Algebra ->  Points-lines-and-rays -> SOLUTION: what is the slop of a line perpendicular to the line 12x-4y=7      Log On


   

Question 150951: what is the slop of a line perpendicular to the line 12x-4y=7
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

12x-4y=7 Start with the given equation.


-4y=7-12x Subtract 12x from both sides.


y=%287-12x%29%2F%28-4%29 Divide both sides by -4 to isolate y.


y=3x-7%2F4 Simplify.


So the equation is now in slope intercept form y=mx%2Bb where the slope is m=3 or m=3%2F1. So the perpendicular slope is the negative reciprocal of m=3%2F1. In other words, flip 3%2F1 to get 1%2F3. Now change the sign to get -1%2F3


So the perpendicular slope is -1%2F3