Question 240640: Please help me figure this problem. I am new to Algebra so I have no clue. The problem is: Find the equation for the line with the given properties. Perpendicular to the line -5x-y=7; containing the point (0, -7/5)
Thank-you very much
Answer by rapaljer(4671)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! To find the slope of the given line, you must solve for y.
-5x-y=7
-y=5x+7
y=-5x-7
The slope of the line is the coefficient of x, which in this case is m=-5.
The slope of a line PERPENDICULAR to this line is the NEGATIVE RECIPROCAL of this slope, which is 1/5.
The given point just happens to be the y-intercept (0,-7/5)
The equation of a line with slope m that passes through the y-intercept (0,b) is y=mx+b.
The equation of a line with slope 1/5 that passes through the point (0,-7/5) is 
There are a couple of links on my own website that explain this topic in detail. To find my website, do a "Bing" or "Google" search for my last name "Rapalje". Look for "Rapalje Homepage" near the top of the search list. Near the top of my Homepage, look for "Basic, Intermediate and College Algebra: One Step at a Time." In "Basic Algebra" look in Chapter 4 for "Section 4.06 The Equation of a Line." My non-traditional explanations are probably easier to understand than your own textbook. Try it and see what you think.
If you like my website, please recommend it to friends!!
Dr. Robert J. Rapalje, Retired
Seminole State College of Florida
Altamonte Springs Campus
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