P has coordinates (3,4), Q has coordinate (a,b), a line perpendicular to PQ has equation 3x+2y=7. Find an expression for b in terms of a

Rearrange the equation of the line perpendicular to PQ to give y = -(3/2)x + 7/2. Gradient of this line = -3/2Using the knowledge that the gradients of a line perpendicular to another line is related by a factor of -1/x we know the gradient of PQ is 2/3The gradient is the (difference in y)/(difference in x) which is (b-4)/(a-3) = 2/3multiply the bottom of the LHS to get b-4 = 2a/3 - 2 and take the 4 over to get b = 2a/3 + 2.

JL
Answered by Jack L. Maths tutor

4726 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Express x*2 + 10x - 3 in the form (x+p)*2 + q


Three points have coordinates A(-8, 6), B(4, 2) and C(-1, 7). The line through C perpendicular to AB intersects AB at the point P. Find the equations of the line AB and CP.


How do I know how many solutions a quadratic equation has?


Ayo is 7 years older than Hugo. Mel is twice as old as Ayo. The sum of their three ages is 77 Find the ratio of Hugo's age to Ayo's age to Mel's age.


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