Line p passes through points (-1, 2) and (-3, -4). What is the slope of a line perpendicular to p

First find the slope:

Change in y = 2 - (-4) = 6

Change in x = -1 - (-3) = 2

Remember to subtract in the correct order... if you use y₁ - y₂, then you have to do x₁ - x₂.

Another note, the order in which you subtract (y₁ - y₂ or y₂ - y₁) does not matter.

The slope: 6/2 = 3

To find a parallel slope, you need to remember that it's negative, then reciprocal. In this case:

3 => -3 => -1/3

To find a perpindicular slope, you need to remember that it's negative, then reciprocal. In this case:

3 => -3 => -1/3

 

*** typo fixed ***