Math Cumulative Review: Find the equation of a Line

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the equation of a line that is perpendicular to the line represented by the equation y = -1/2x - 5 and passes through the point (6, -4). The correct approach involves recognizing that the slope of the perpendicular line must be the negative reciprocal of -1/2, which is 2. The point-slope form of the equation is applied, leading to the conclusion that the correct equation is y = 2x - 16, as it satisfies the condition of passing through the point (6, -4).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of linear equations and slopes
  • Knowledge of point-slope form of a line
  • Familiarity with negative reciprocals in geometry
  • Ability to simplify algebraic expressions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of negative reciprocals in the context of perpendicular lines
  • Practice using point-slope form to derive equations of lines
  • Explore graphing techniques for visualizing linear equations
  • Learn how to verify points on a line equation
USEFUL FOR

Students studying algebra, particularly those learning about linear equations and their properties, as well as educators looking for examples of teaching perpendicular lines and point-slope form.

Mathlete2
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Hey there! Currently struggling through a cumulative review, so I will posting a lot more questions.

An equation of a line perpendicular to the line represented by the equation y= -1/2x-5 and passing through (6, -4) is

1) y= -1/2x + 4
2) y= -1/2x - 1
3) y= 2x + 14
4) y= 2x - 16

I know it's not 1 or 2 because perpendicular lines have to be negative reciprocals. What I don't know is how to figure out whether the answer is 3 or 4.
 
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point-slope form ...

$y-y_1 = m_{\perp}(x -x_1) \implies y-(-4) = 2(x-6)$

simplify
 
Mathlete said:
Hey there! Currently struggling through a cumulative review, so I will posting a lot more questions.

An equation of a line perpendicular to the line represented by the equation y= -1/2x-5 and passing through (6, -4) is

1) y= -1/2x + 4
2) y= -1/2x - 1
3) y= 2x + 14
4) y= 2x - 16

I know it's not 1 or 2 because perpendicular lines have to be negative reciprocals. What I don't know is how to figure out whether the answer is 3 or 4.

You are also told that when x= 6, y= -4. What do you get for y when you put x= 6 in either (3) or (4)?
 

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