Question

Given that m and n are parallel, and p is a transversal that is perpendicular to m, give an explanation for why it must also be perpendicular to n.

Answer 1

We know that if m and n are parallel, then we know that they have the same slope. We can call it x in this case.

Since we know that p is a perpendicular transversal, then we know it is the opposite and reciprocal of m. Therefore, we can label it as -1/x.

Since p = -1/x and n = x, we can tell they are perpendicular.