What is the equation of the line which is perpendicular to 2x+y=-4 which passes through the point (2,-8)?

1 Answer
Nov 17, 2017

y = 1/2x - 9

Explanation:

Given equation : 2x + y = - 4

We rewrite this in Slope-Intercept form, that is;

y = -2x - 4

The slope in this equation's case is m = -2

Therefore, the slope of a line that is perpendicular to this line is going to be the negative reciprocal of the given slope.

m = -(-1/2) = 1/2

The y-intercept can be determined from the coordinates provided.
(2,-8).

Substitute the values of the x and y coordinate in its Slope-Intercept form to determine the y-intercept:

y = mx + b
-8 = (1/2)(2) + b
b = -9

Therefore, the equation of the line is y = 1/2x - 9