Problem No.

21

Determine B such that 3x+2y-7=0 is perpendicular to 2x-By+2=0.

A. 5 B. 3 C. 4 D. 2

Given:

3x+2y-7=0

2x-By+2=0

Required:

Solution:

Since perpendicular, relation for the slope for both equation is:

−1
m1 =
m2

Find the slope of 3x+2y-7=0 by using slope-intercept form (y=mx+b).

3x+2y-7=0

2y = -3x + 7

−3 7 −3
y= x+ ; by inspection m1 =
2 2 2

Find the slope of 2x-By+2=0 by using slope-intercept form (y=mx+b)

2x-By+2=0

By =2x+2

2 2 2
y= x+ ; by inspection m2 =
B B B

Solve for B using the relation of perpendicular lines,

 1
−1 −3
m1 = m = =- 2
2 2
B

B=3

ANSWER: B

Discussion:

−1
The slope of two line equation that is perpendicular has their relation of m 1= . Slope can be
m2
determined using the slope intercept form (y=mx+b).