Determine the gradient (slope) of a straight line that is perpendicular to the line with equation 2x + 5y - 10 = 0.
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. 5/2
- Step 1: Find gradient of given line: 5y = -2x + 10 => y = (-2/5)x + 2, so m1 = -2/5. Step 2. For perpendicular lines: m1 × m2 = -1 => m2 = -1 / m1. Step 3. Invert and negate: m2 = -1 / (-2/5) = 5/2. Answer: 5/2. Why not the others: -2/5 is the gradient of the parallel line; -5/2 fails to negate; 2/5 omits the reciprocal.
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