Question

Write an equation for a line perpendicular to y = 5x – 2 and passing through the point (-15,8) y=​

Answer 1

The answer is y = -1/5x + 5

Perpendicular means the opposite reciprocal of the slope. The reciprocal of 5 would be 1/5. The opposite sign would be negative, so -1/5.

The equation that you use is y - y1 = m(x - x1)

The point is (-15,8).

x1 = -15
y1= 8
m= -1/5

y - 8 = -1/5(x - (-15)).

The 15 becomes positive.

y - 8 = -1/5(x+15)

Distribute

y - 8 = -1/5x - 3

Add 8 to both sides

y = -1/5x + 5