Question

Consider m = y2 - y1/ x2 - x1 . Which x1 and x2-values would determine that the line is vertical? Justify your answer

Answer 1

Answer:

$x_2=x_1$

Step-by-step explanation:

We were given the slope formula;

$m=\frac{y_2-y_1}{x_2-x_1}$

This line is vertical if the denominator is zero.

That is when $x_2-x-1=0$

This implies that;

$x_2=x_1$

Justification;

When $x_2=x_1$, then, the line passes through;

$(x_1,y_1)$  and $(x_1,y_2)$

The slope now become

$m=\frac{y_2-y_1}{x_1-x_1}=\frac{y_2-y_1}{0}$

The equation of the line is

$y-y_1=\frac{y_2-y_1}{0}(x-x_1)$

This implies that;

$0(y-y_1)=(y_2-y_1)(x-x_1)$

$0=(y_2-y_1)(x-x_1)$

$\frac{0}{y_2-y_1}=(x-x_1)$

$0=(x-x_1)$

$x=x_1$... This is the equation of a vertical line.