Question
Given two lines with slopes of \( m_1 = 5 \) and \( m_2 = -\frac{1}{5} \), determine if the lines are parallel, perpendicular, or neither.
Ask by Li Ayala. in South Africa
Jan 26,2025
Real Tutor Solution
Tutor-Verified Answer
Answer
The lines are perpendicular.
Solution
To determine whether the two lines are **parallel**, **perpendicular**, or **neither**, we can analyze their slopes.
Given:
- **Slope of the first line (\( m_1 \))**: 5
- **Slope of the second line (\( m_2 \))**: \(-\frac{1}{5}\)
### 1. **Checking for Parallel Lines**
Two lines are **parallel** if and only if their slopes are **equal**.
\[
m_1 = m_2 \quad \text{?}
\]
\[
5 \neq -\frac{1}{5}
\]
Since \( 5 \) is not equal to \(-\frac{1}{5}\), the lines are **not parallel**.
### 2. **Checking for Perpendicular Lines**
Two lines are **perpendicular** if and only if the product of their slopes is **-1**.
\[
m_1 \times m_2 = -1 \quad \text{?}
\]
\[
5 \times \left(-\frac{1}{5}\right) = -1
\]
\[
-1 = -1
\]
Since the product of the slopes is \(-1\), the lines are **perpendicular**.
### **Conclusion**
The two lines with slopes \( m_1 = 5 \) and \( m_2 = -\frac{1}{5} \) are **perpendicular**.
Reviewed and approved by the UpStudy tutoring team
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Mind Expander
To determine the relationship between the two lines based on their slopes, we can use the properties of slopes. If two lines are parallel, their slopes are equal. If they are perpendicular, the product of their slopes is -1. In this case, we have: - \( m_1 = 5 \) - \( m_2 = -\frac{1}{5} \) Now, let's check if they are perpendicular by multiplying the slopes: \[ m_1 \times m_2 = 5 \times -\frac{1}{5} = -1 \] Since the product of the slopes is -1, the lines are perpendicular. Therefore, the final answer is that the lines are perpendicular.