SOLUTION: What is the equation of a line perpendicular to the line y=2x - 4 and going through the point (-1,3).

Algebra ->  Linear-equations -> SOLUTION: What is the equation of a line perpendicular to the line y=2x - 4 and going through the point (-1,3).      Log On


   

Question 530434: What is the equation of a line perpendicular to the line y=2x - 4 and going through the point (-1,3).
Answer by oberobic(2304) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
y = 2x-4
.
A line perpendicular to this line will have a slope that is the inverse reciprocal of 2, which is -1/2.
.
y = -1/2x + b
.
To determine 'b', use the point you want to go through.
.
3 = -1/2(-1) + b
3 = 1/2 + b
b = 2 1/2 = 5/2
.
A graph usually helps. The red line is y = 2x-4; the green line is y = -1/2x + 5/2.
.
+graph%28500%2C500%2C-5%2C5%2C-5%2C5%2C2%2Ax-4%2C+-1%2F2%2Ax%2B5%2F2%29+
.