AlgebraHardSlope constant for perpendicular lines
Algebra practice question
In the xy-plane, the lines y = 2x + 1 and y = kx + 5 are perpendicular. What is the value of k?
Answer: -1/2 or -.5 or -0.5
Perpendicular slopes multiply to −1, so 2k = −1 and k = −1/2.
Common wrong answers
- If you answered 2
- 2 would make the lines parallel.
- If you answered 1/2
- 1/2 has the sign wrong.
- If you answered -2
- −2 changes the sign but does not invert.
More Algebra questions
- Hard
For how many integer values of x is −2 < (x − 5)/3 ≤ 1 true? - Hard
The system 2x + 3y = 6 and 4x + 6y = k has infinitely many solutions. What is the value of k? - Hard
Which of the following is the complete solution set to |x − 4| < 6? - Hard
A student has $40 to spend on notebooks costing $4 each and pens costing $2 each, and wants at least 12 items … - Hard
What is the least whole number of minutes of international calling in a month for which the total monthly cost… - Hard
How many liters of the 30% acid solution did the technician use?
Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.