Perpendicular Lines - PSAT Math

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Question

What is the equation of a line that runs perpendicular to the line 2_x_ + y = 5 and passes through the point (2,7)?

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Answer

First, put the equation of the line given into slope-intercept form by solving for y. You get y = -2_x_ +5, so the slope is –2. Perpendicular lines have opposite-reciprocal slopes, so the slope of the line we want to find is 1/2. Plugging in the point given into the equation y = 1/2_x_ + b and solving for b, we get b = 6. Thus, the equation of the line is y = ½_x_ + 6. Rearranged, it is –x/2 + y = 6.

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