# Math Help - Cordinate geometry

1. ## Coordinate geometry

Dear forum members,

could you please check if my calculations are correct, I have tried several times, I alway keep getting the wrong answer though.

Problem

Find the values for k for which the lines $2x+ky-11=0$ and $(3-k)x+y+2=0$are perpendicular.

My solution

$-3x+kx= \frac{k}{2x}$
-3x+kx and 2x have to be the same

so $-3x+kx= 2x$

I always keep getting 5 or 1 as the answer for k, is it correct?

2. Originally Posted by Coach
Dear forum memebers,

could you please check if my calculations are correct, I have tried several times, I alway keep getting the wrong answer though.

Problem

Find the values for k for which the lines $2x+ky-11=0$ and $(3-k)x+y+2=0$are perpendicular.

My solution

$-3x+kx= //frac{k}{2x}$
the bottom numbers have to be the same

so $-3x+kx= 2x$

I always keep getting 5 or 1 as the anwer for k, is it correct?

Two lines are perpendicular if the product of their gradients is equal to -1.

$2x+ky-11=0 \Rightarrow y = \frac{-2x+11}{k} \Rightarrow m = -\frac{2}{k}$.

$(3-k)x+y+2=0 \Rightarrow y = -(3 - k)x - 2 = (k - 3)x - 2 \Rightarrow m = k - 3$.

Therefore you require $\left( -\frac{2}{k} \right) \, (k-3) = -1 \Rightarrow -2(k-3) = -k \Rightarrow k = 6$.

3. Thank you so much!

I would not have been able to do that on my own.

4. Originally Posted by Coach
Dear forum members,

could you please check if my calculations are correct, I have tried several times, I alway keep getting the wrong answer though.

Problem

Find the values for k for which the lines $2x+ky-11=0$ and $(3-k)x+y+2=0$are perpendicular.

I always keep getting 5 or 1 as the answer for k, is it correct?