SOLUTION: How do you find the linear equation if it is given like this: Find the perpendicular slope the runs through point (2,1) and the slope of the regular line is y=3x-1. Thanks!

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Linear Equations and Systems Word Problems -> SOLUTION: How do you find the linear equation if it is given like this: Find the perpendicular slope the runs through point (2,1) and the slope of the regular line is y=3x-1. Thanks!      Log On


   

Question 826134: How do you find the linear equation if it is given like this: Find the perpendicular slope the runs through point (2,1) and the slope of the regular line is y=3x-1. Thanks!
Answer by josgarithmetic(39630) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Not well stated, but can be understood with difficulty - not sure if the question is ambiguous.

How about, "Find the line containing point (2,1) and perpendicular to the line y=3x-1".


Line y=3x-1 has slope 3. The slope of a line perpendicular to the given line is -%281%2F3%29.
-
Using the point to be contained in and the slope of the desired line in the point-slope form for a line, y-1=-%281%2F3%29%28x-2%29,
y=-%281%2F3%29x%2B2%2F3%2B1
highlight%28y=-%281%2F3%29x%2B1%262%2F3%29