Perpendicular lines have which type of slopes?

Study for the PSAT 8/9 Math Test. Practice with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Perpendicular lines have which type of slopes?

Explanation:
When lines are perpendicular, their slopes are opposite reciprocals of each other. If one line has slope m, the perpendicular line has slope -1/m, so the two slopes multiply to -1 (as long as both slopes exist). For example, a line with slope 4 is perpendicular to a line with slope -1/4, and a horizontal line (slope 0) is perpendicular to a vertical line (undefined slope). This is why the description of perpendicular slopes is negative reciprocal.

When lines are perpendicular, their slopes are opposite reciprocals of each other. If one line has slope m, the perpendicular line has slope -1/m, so the two slopes multiply to -1 (as long as both slopes exist). For example, a line with slope 4 is perpendicular to a line with slope -1/4, and a horizontal line (slope 0) is perpendicular to a vertical line (undefined slope). This is why the description of perpendicular slopes is negative reciprocal.

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