If I am given a line, how do I find a line that is parallel to it? What about perpendicular?

The key fact here is to remember the relationship between the gradients of lines which are parallel and perpendicular. Two lines that are parallel will always have the same gradient. So if we have a line y = mx + c and another line y = nx + d then we know that the respective gradients, m and n, must be the same for them to be parallel lines.For two perpendicular lines, we need the gradients m and n to satisfy the relationship m*n = -1. This can be rewritten as n = -1/m. So if we are given a line y = mx+c, and we know m. Then using this we can find what n should be.Usually in a question, the constants c and d will be given to us, or we will be asked to find them given we know a point on the line.

HW
Answered by Harry W. Maths tutor

4542 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Differentiate 6x^2+2x+1 by first principles, showing every step in the process.


Find the solutions to z^2 = i


How do I know if I am using the right particular integral when solving a differential equation


How do I remember the common values of cosx, sinx and tanx?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning