SOLUTION: Find the slope of any line perpendicular to the line through points (0, 5) and (-3, -4). I am at total loss.

Algebra ->  Coordinate-system -> SOLUTION: Find the slope of any line perpendicular to the line through points (0, 5) and (-3, -4). I am at total loss.       Log On


   

Question 67743: Find the slope of any line perpendicular to the line through points (0, 5) and
(-3, -4).
I am at total loss.
Answer by Earlsdon(6294) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Well, first you must find the slope of the line that contains the two given points. You can use the slope formula:
m+=+%28y2-y1%29%2F%28x2-x1%29 where: (x1, y1) = (0, 5) and (x2, y2) = (-3, -4)
m+=+%28-4-5%29%2F%28-3-0%29 Simplify.
m+=+-9%2F-3
m+=+3
Now, you'll recall that perpendicular lines have slopes that are the negative reciprocal of each other.
The negative reciprocal of 3 is -1%2F3
So the answer is.: the slope is m+=+-1%2F3