How do you write the equation in slope-intercept form of the line that is perpendicular to y=5x+6 but goes through the point (-5,-3)?

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Answer 1 · 2016-11-15T23:36:32

Please see the explanation.

Given a line with slope, #m#, any line perpendicular with have a slope #-1/m#.

Therefore, a line that is perpendicular to #y = 5x + 6# will have a slope of #m = -1/5#

Start slope intercept form of the equation of a line:

#y = mx + b#

Substitute -5 for x, -3 for y, and #-1/5# for m:

#-3 = -1/5(-5) + b#

Solve for b:

#b = -4#

The equation of the line is:

#y = -1/5x - 4#