Question

Find an equation of the line that satisfies the given conditions. Through (−2, −6); perpendicular to the line passing through (1, 6) and (5, 4)

Answer 1

The slope of the given line is ∆y/∆x = (4-6)/(5-1) = -2/4 = -1/2. The slope of the desired (perpendicular) line is the negative reciprocal of this, -1/(-1/2) = 2.

The point-slope form of the equation for a line with slope m through point (h, k) is

... y - k = m(x - h)

For slope 2 and the given point, your equation can be

... y + 6 = 2(x + 2)