GED Math Practice Test 2025 - Free GED Exam Practice Questions and Study Guide

Question: 1 / 400

What is the equation of a line that is perpendicular to y = 1/2x + 3?

y = 1/2x + b

y = -2x + b

To determine the equation of a line that is perpendicular to the given line \( y = \frac{1}{2}x + 3 \), it is essential to understand the relationship between the slopes of perpendicular lines.

The slope of the given line is \( \frac{1}{2} \). For two lines to be perpendicular, the product of their slopes must equal -1. To find the slope of the line that is perpendicular to the provided line, we take the negative reciprocal of \( \frac{1}{2} \). The negative reciprocal of \( \frac{1}{2} \) is \( -2 \).

This means that the slope of the line that is perpendicular to \( y = \frac{1}{2}x + 3 \) is \( -2 \). Therefore, any equation of the form \( y = -2x + b \), where \( b \) is the y-intercept, correctly represents a line perpendicular to the original line.

Considering the choices, the equation that has a slope of \( -2 \) is accurately represented by the option, indicating it correctly describes the relationship of being perpendicular to the initial line.

Get further explanation with Examzify DeepDiveBeta

y = 2x + b

y = -1/2x + b

Next Question

Report this question

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy