16Hit1600
AlgebraHardWhich line is perpendicular

Algebra practice question

Which of the following lines is perpendicular to the line 2x + 3y = 6 in the xy-plane?

  1. A. y = (3/2)x + 1Correct
  2. B. y = −(2/3)x + 1
  3. C. y = (2/3)x + 1
  4. D. y = −(3/2)x + 1

Answer: A. y = (3/2)x + 1

2x + 3y = 6 has slope −2/3, so a perpendicular has slope 3/2.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. y = −(2/3)x + 1
−2/3 is the same slope — parallel.
C. y = (2/3)x + 1
2/3 has the wrong sign.
D. y = −(3/2)x + 1
−3/2 is the reciprocal without the sign change.

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