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    Sunshyne05's Avatar
    Sunshyne05 Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Sep 23, 2007, 09:16 PM
    linear equations, perpendicular vs parallel lines
    If you are given two linear equations, how will you say that two lines they represent are parallel or perpendicular to each other.
    chris89's Avatar
    chris89 Posts: 10, Reputation: 3
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    #2

    Sep 23, 2007, 10:25 PM
    A general linear equation is y=mx + c. To determine whether 2 lines are parallel or perpendicular you need to look at the gradient of the equation ( the m bit ).
    e.g. y=2x+5, the gradient is 2. if 2 lines are parallel, then their gradients will be identical. If 2 lines are to be perpendicular to each other, then the product( i.e.. What you get when you multiply them together) will be equal to -1.

    e.g.. Find a line perpendicular to the line y=2x+5.
    The gradient = 2. If m equals gradient of the line we need to find out, then 2*m = -1
    m = -1/2. So the line will have equation y= -x/2 + c ( where c can be any number)
    terryg752's Avatar
    terryg752 Posts: 197, Reputation: 4
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    #3

    Oct 9, 2007, 04:49 AM
    Put the two equations in the following forms:

    y = mx + c

    y = nx + d


    if m = n then parallel

    If mn = -1, perpendicular
    temiquel's Avatar
    temiquel Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #4

    Oct 30, 2012, 06:44 PM
    how would you solve
    -10-2x=5y
    -5x+2y=-2
    to find out whether its parallel, perpendicular, or neither
    ebaines's Avatar
    ebaines Posts: 12,131, Reputation: 1307
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    #5

    Oct 31, 2012, 06:20 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by temiquel View Post
    how would you solve
    -10-2x=5y
    -5x+2y=-2
    to find out whether its parallel, perpendicular, or neither
    As noted in the earlier posts, put the two equations into the form y = mx+b and compare the values of the m's.
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