SOLUTION: Write an equation for the line that is perpendicular to the given line and that passes through a given point. y=2/3x+9; (-6, 5) Here is what I did: negative reciprocal is -3/2

Algebra ->  Linear-equations -> SOLUTION: Write an equation for the line that is perpendicular to the given line and that passes through a given point. y=2/3x+9; (-6, 5) Here is what I did: negative reciprocal is -3/2      Log On


   

Question 615027: Write an equation for the line that is perpendicular to the given line and that passes through a given point.
y=2/3x+9; (-6, 5)
Here is what I did:
negative reciprocal is -3/2)
y=mx+b
5=(3/2)*-6+b
then I get confused. Please help.Thank you very much.
Answer by nerdybill(7384) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
y=2/3x+9; (-6, 5)
Here is what I did:
negative reciprocal is -3/2)
y=mx+b
5=(-3/2)*-6+b (you forgot the negative sign for the slope)
5=(18/2)+b
5=(9)+b
-5=b
So, your final equation is:
y=(-3/2)x+(-5)
or
y=-3/2x-5