Question line-k

1.1 Linear Functions - Parallel/perpendicular line relationships
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Line k is defined by y = 3 x + 15 . Line j is perpendicular to line k in the xy-plane. What is the slope of line j ?

A.

- 1 3

B.

- 1 12

C.

- 1 18

D.

- 1 45

Line k is defined by y = 3 x + 15 . Line j is perpendicular

Medium-difficulty · SAT Math · Linear Functions — Parallel/perpendicular line relationships. Read the question above, select your answer, and check the full explanation below to understand exactly why the correct choice works.

Answer explanation

Choice A is correct. It's given that line j is perpendicular to line k in the xy-plane. It follows that the slope of line j is the opposite reciprocal of the slope of line k . The equation for line k is written in slope-intercept form y = m x + b , where m is the slope of the line and b is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept of the line. It follows that the slope of line k is 3 . The opposite reciprocal of a number is -1 divided by the number. Thus, the opposite reciprocal of 3 is -13. Therefore, the slope of line j is - 1 3 .

Choice B is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Choice C is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.

Choice D is incorrect and may result from conceptual or calculation errors.