Question

Find the equation of the perpendicular dropped from the point (−1, 2) onto the line joining the points (1, 4) and (2, 3).

Answer 1

Let A = (1, 4), B = (2, 3) and C = (−1, 2).

Slope of AB = `(3 - 4)/(2 - 1) = -1`

Slope of equation perpendicular to AB = `(-1)/"slope of AB" = 1`

The equation of the perpendicular drawn through C onto AB is given by:

y − y₁ = m(x − x₁)

y − 2 = 1(x + 1)

y − 2 = x + 1

y = x + 3