Line AB has equation 6x + y - 4 = 1. AB is perpendicular to the line y = mx + 1, find m.

First, we have to know that if 2 lines are perpendicular, the product of their gradients is -1.

Next, we have to express the 2 equations in similar ways by rearranging them and making y the common subject.

The line AB has equation y = -6x + 5, and the second is just y = mx + 1.

From here, since both lines are of the form y = mx + c, where m is the gradient and c is the intercept, we can see that the gradient of the first line is -6, and the second line is m. 

Since the product of these 2 gradients is -1, we know that

-6 x m = -1

Therefore m = 1/6

JR
Answered by Jack R. Maths tutor

3750 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Find the tangent to the curve y = x^2 + 3x + 2 at x = 1


Find the integral of (3x^2+4x^5-7)dx


What's the best strategy when approaching a maths problem?


Express 3x+1/(x+1)(2x+1) in partial fractions


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