Thread: Help finding an equation for a perpendicular line

Need help guys! The problem starts off with 5x+3y=4, and we figured that out to be y=-5/3x+4/3

Then he says to figure the line's slope which I figured to be -5/3, then he goes on to say find an equation for the parallel line through (3,2) which I figured out to be y=-5/3x+7, then he goes on to say to find an equation for the perpendicular line through (3,2). Can't figure that last part out, please help! you guys rock!

Originally Posted by MathMack

Need help guys! The problem starts off with 5x+3y=4, and we figured that out to be y=-5/3x+4/3

Then he says to figure the line's slope which I figured to be -5/3, then he goes on to say find an equation for the parallel line through (3,2) which I figured out to be y=-5/3x+7, then he goes on to say to find an equation for the perpendicular line through (3,2). Can't figure that last part out, please help! you guys rock!

two lines are perpendicular if the slope of one is the negative inverse of the other. thus, if the slope of your line is -5/3, the slope of the line perpendicular to it is +3/5. write the equation of a line with that slope passing through the required point and you're done

Thanks Jhevon!!