If a line is perpendicular to y = -3x + 4 and passes through (6, 2), what is its equation?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. y = (1/3)x

  1. Step 1: The perpendicular gradient is the negative reciprocal of -3, which is m = 1/3. Step 2. Using point-slope form with (6, 2): y - 2 = (1/3)(x - 6) => y - 2 = (1/3)x - 2 => y = (1/3)x. Answer: y = (1/3)x. Why not the others: Parallel lines have m = -3, and simply negating gives m = 3.

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