Question

Find the equation of the line that is perpendicular to y = 1/4x – 2 and passes though the point (5, –2). A) y = –1/4x + 18 B) y = –1/4x – 22 C) y = –4x + 18 D) y = –4x – 22

Answer 1

Since our line is perpendicular to this line, the slope of

our line is the negative reciprocal of 1/4, which is -4/1.

Remember, negative reciprocal is just a fancy way

of saying flip the fraction and change the sign.

So the slope of our line is -4/1 and we use this slope along

with our given point to write the equation of our line.

Start with the point-slope formula.

Y - y1 = m(x - x1).

~Substitute

Y - -2 = -4/1(x - 5).

Minus a negative is plus a positive.

Y + 2 = -4/1x + 20.

Subtract 2 from both sides.

Y = -4/1x + 18

So, our answer is C.