Question

A walking path across a park is represented by the equation A walking path across a park is represented by the equation y= -3x-3. A New path will be built perpendicular to this path. The Paths will intersect at a point paths will intersect at a point (-3, 6). Identify The equation that represents the new path.

Answer 1

Answer:

The equation representing the new path is;

$y = \dfrac{1}{3} \cdot x + 7$

Step-by-step explanation:

The equation of the first walking park across the park is y = -3·x - 3

By comparison to the equation of a straight line, y = m·x + c, where m = the slope of the line, the slope of the line y = -3·x - 3  is -3

The park's new walking path direction = Perpendicular to first walking path

A line perpendicular to a line of  (as example) y = m₁·x + c has a slope of -1/m

∴ The park's new walking path slope = -1/(Slope of first path) = -1/(-3) = 1/3

The point the paths will intersect = (-3, 6)

The equation of the line is found by recalling that $Slope, \, m_1 =\dfrac{y_{2}-y_{1}}{x_{2}-x_{1}}$

Where:

y₂ and x₂ are coordinates of a point on the new walking path

y₁ and x₁ are coordinates of a point on the new walking path intersecting the first walking path

Given that (-3, 6) is the intersection of the two walking paths, therefore, it is a point on the new walking path and we can say x₁ = -3, y₁ = 6

Therefore, we have;

$Slope, \, m_1 =\dfrac{y_{2}-6}{x_{2}-(-3)} = \dfrac{y_{2}-6}{x_{2}+3} =\dfrac{1}{3}$

Which gives;

(y₂ - 6) × 3 = x₂ + 3

y₂ - 6 = (x₂ + 3)/3

y₂ = (x₂ + 3)/3 + 6  = 1/3·x₂ + 1 + 6 = 1/3·x₂ + 7

Which gives the equation representing the new path as $y = \dfrac{1}{3} \cdot x + 7$.