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

3944 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

C1 June 2014 Q)4 - https://pmt.physicsandmathstutor.com/download/Maths/A-level/C1/Papers-Edexcel/June%202014%20QP%20-%20C1%20Edexcel.pdf


The line AB has equation 5x+3y+3=0. The line AB is parallel to the line with equation y=mx+7 . Find the value of m.


When solving a trigonometric equation, like sin(x) = -1/3 for 0 ≤ x < 2π, why do I get an answer outside the range? Why are there many correct answers for the value of x?


Find dy/dx when x+2y+3y^2= 2x^2+1


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