What is the equation of the line which is perpendicular to #2x+y=-4# which passes through the point #(2,-8)?#

1 Answer
Nov 17, 2017

#y = 1/2x - 9#

Explanation:

Given equation : #2x + y = - 4#

We rewrite this in Slope-Intercept form, that is;

#y = -2x - 4#

The slope in this equation's case is #m = -2#

Therefore, the slope of a line that is perpendicular to this line is going to be the negative reciprocal of the given slope.

#m = -(-1/2) = 1/2#

The y-intercept can be determined from the coordinates provided.
#(2,-8).#

Substitute the values of the x and y coordinate in its Slope-Intercept form to determine the #y#-intercept:

#y = mx + b#
#-8 = (1/2)(2) + b#
#b = -9 #

Therefore, the equation of the line is #y = 1/2x - 9#