Question

If `y_1 = 2x -6, y_2 = -3x+4, and y_3 = -1/2x +4` are the sides of a right triangle, using slopes, which sides are perpendicular?

Answer 1

`y_1 and y_3`

Explanation:

"Perpendicular" means that they are the sides at "right angles", or 90'. Linearly, it means that there slopes must be inverses.

The side line equations are conveniently given in slope-intercept form, so the slopes are immediately evident.

The two inverses are `y_1`, with a slope of `2` and `y_3`, with a slope of `-(1/2)`