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

4306 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

A projectile is thrown from the ground at 30 degrees from the horizontal direction with an initial speed of 20m/s. What is the horizontal distance travelled before it hits the ground? Take the acceleration due to gravity as 9.8m/s^2


A Curve has parametric equation x=2sin(t), y= 1+cos(2t), -pi/2<=t<=pi/2. a) Find dy/dx when t=pi/3. b) Find the Cartesian equation for the curve in form y=f(x), -k<=x<=k. c) Find the range of f(x)


Show that r^2(r + 1)^2 - r^2(r - 1)^2 ≡ 4r^3.


A curve has parametric equations x=t(t-1), y=4t/(1-t). The point S on the curve has parameter t=-1. Show that the tangent to the curve at S has equation x+3y+4=0.


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