if the gradient of the tangent is -3 what would the gradient of the normal, perpendicular to it, be?

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if the gradient of the tangent is -3 what would the gradient of the normal, perpendicular to it, be?

2006-11-05 02:24:12 · 3 answers · asked by Andy P 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics

3 answers

Perpendicular lines have slopes that are negative reciprocals of each other. For example, if a line has a slope of -3, lines perpendicular to it will have slopes of 1/3.

To see it, draw a line through the origin that has a slope of -3. It will intersect (-1,3). Now draw a line through the origin that intersects (3,1).

Gary H

2006-11-05 02:39:25 · answer #1 · answered by Gary H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋

1/3

2006-11-05 02:40:40 · answer #2 · answered by Helmut 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋

+ 3
Just multiply by -1 for a perpendicular straight line.

2006-11-05 02:27:32 · answer #3 · answered by Brenmore 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋