Finite Math Examples

Find the Slope of the Perpendicular Line to the Line Through the Two Points (4,1) , (-4,-5)
,
Step 1
Slope is equal to the change in over the change in , or rise over run.
Step 2
The change in is equal to the difference in x-coordinates (also called run), and the change in is equal to the difference in y-coordinates (also called rise).
Step 3
Substitute in the values of and into the equation to find the slope.
Step 4
Simplify.
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Step 4.1
Simplify the numerator.
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Step 4.1.1
Multiply by .
Step 4.1.2
Subtract from .
Step 4.2
Simplify the denominator.
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Step 4.2.1
Multiply by .
Step 4.2.2
Subtract from .
Step 4.3
Cancel the common factor of and .
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Step 4.3.1
Factor out of .
Step 4.3.2
Cancel the common factors.
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Step 4.3.2.1
Factor out of .
Step 4.3.2.2
Cancel the common factor.
Step 4.3.2.3
Rewrite the expression.
Step 5
The slope of a perpendicular line is the negative reciprocal of the slope of the line that passes through the two given points.
Step 6
Simplify .
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Step 6.1
Multiply the numerator by the reciprocal of the denominator.
Step 6.2
Multiply by .
Step 7