16Hit 1600
AlgebraEasy–MediumSlope of a perpendicular line

Algebra practice question

In the xy-plane, line q is perpendicular to the graph of 7x − 2y = 8. What is the slope of line q?

  1. A. −2/7Correct
  2. B. 7/2
  3. C. 2/7
  4. D. −7/2

Answer: A. −2/7

The given graph has slope 7/2 (solve for y: y = (7/2)x − 4). A perpendicular line's slope is the negative reciprocal: −2/7.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. 7/2
7/2 is the slope of the given line itself, not of a perpendicular line.
C. 2/7
2/7 is the reciprocal but keeps the sign; perpendicular slopes multiply to −1.
D. −7/2
−7/2 flips the sign but not the fraction; take the negative reciprocal of 7/2.

More Algebra questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.