2007-12-17 06:14:32 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
Look at the slope.
If the slopes are the same, then they are parallel.
If the slope of one is -1/(other slope), then they are perpendicular.
If neither of the above is true, then it's neither parallel or perpendicular.
I assume that you're talking about a line in 2-space (a plane). If it's in 3-space, then it's more complicated.
2007-12-17 06:19:25 · answer #1 · answered by mikeburns55 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Assuming its in y = mx + b (y-intercept form), your slope = m.
So check out both equations --- and I'd recommend putting the equations into y-int. form -- and if both m's are the same, they are parallel. If they are negative reciprocals of each other (for example 3 and -1/3 or 4 and -1/4) they are perpendicular. If neither of these conditions apply, it is neither.
2007-12-17 14:23:15 · answer #2 · answered by miggitymaggz 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋