If a line is horizontal, what is the slope of a line perpendicular to it?

Master the Certify Teacher EC-6 (391) Mathematics Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with explanations. Boost your confidence and excel in your exam!

Multiple Choice

If a line is horizontal, what is the slope of a line perpendicular to it?

Explanation:
Understanding slopes: a horizontal line runs left to right, so it has slope 0. A line perpendicular to a horizontal line goes straight up and down, which is vertical. For a vertical line, run is 0 while rise is not, and slope is rise divided by run. Dividing by zero isn’t defined, so the slope is undefined. For example, y = 3 is horizontal, and a perpendicular line is x = 5, which has an undefined slope.

Understanding slopes: a horizontal line runs left to right, so it has slope 0. A line perpendicular to a horizontal line goes straight up and down, which is vertical. For a vertical line, run is 0 while rise is not, and slope is rise divided by run. Dividing by zero isn’t defined, so the slope is undefined. For example, y = 3 is horizontal, and a perpendicular line is x = 5, which has an undefined slope.

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