Pearson Algebra 1 Common Core, 2011
PA
Pearson Algebra 1 Common Core, 2011 View details
6. Parallel and Perpendicular Lines
Continue to next subchapter

Exercise 17 Page 334

Remember the definition of horizontal and vertical lines.

Perpendicular, see solution.

Practice makes perfect
Normally, lines are parallel if their slopes are identical and perpendicular if their slopes are negative reciprocals. However, the given lines are kind of special. y=& -7 x=& 2

Given an equation in the form y=b, for any point (x,y) on the graph we know that no matter the value of x, the y value will always be b. Such a line runs parallel to the x-axis. This is, by definition, a horizontal line.

Similarly, for the graph of an equation in the form x=a, the x value of any point (x,y) on the graph will always equal a, regardless of the value of y. Such a line runs parallel to the y-axis. This is, by definition, a vertical line.

Just as the x-axis and y-axis are perpendicular to one another, any lines parallel to the x-axis are perpendicular to any lines parallel to the y-axis. Therefore, y=-7 is perpendicular to x=2.