Write equations of

perpendicular lines
Reminder – perpendicular
lines have opposite and
reciprocal slopes (2/3 & -3/2).
(change and flip)

Note: this (slope) will be the ONLY difference from

writing equations of parallel lines.
Two options to writing equations
of perpendicular lines (same as with
parallel lines)

Option 1 Option 2
Going for the Goals. Plug it in,
Plug it in,
Plug it in.
Option 1 - Going for the Goals

Goal 1- Goal 2-
Determine the Determine the
slope value. y-intercept value.
Option 1 - Going for the Goals
Write the equation of the line passing
through (3, -1) and perpendicular to y = ½x – 4.
Goal 1- slope. Goal 2- y-intercept.
Slope of given Use y = mx + b to solve for the
line is ½, so y-intercept.
slope of -1 = -2(3) + b
perpendicular -1 = -6 + b
line is –2. +6 +6
5=b
y = -2x + 5
Option 2- Plug it in, Plug it in,
Plug it in.
Use y – y1 = m(x – x1) and substitute in
Values for y1, m, and x1. Then solve for y.
Option 2- Plug it in, Plug it in, Plug
it in.
Write the equation of the line passing
through (3, -1) and parallel to y = ½x – 4.
Plug in my values and solve for y.
y – y1 = m(x – x1)
y – (-1) = -2(x – 3)
y + 1 = -2x + 6
-1 -1

y = -2x + 5
 You try
Write the equation of the line passing
through (3, 5) and perpendicular to
y = -3x + 8.
 Try another
Write the equation of the line passing
through (6, -4) and perpendicular to
y = ⅔x + 1.
 Last one
Write the equation of the line passing
through (9, -4) and perpendicular to
-3x + 4y= 20.
Similarities and Differences

Similarities Differences