LINES

UNIT 2

UNIT 2: LINES

Session 1: The Slope of a Line

Session 2: Point Slope Form of the Equation of a Line
Session 3: Slope Intercept Form of the Equation of Line
Session 4: Vertical and Horizontal Lines
Session 5: General Equation of a Line
Session 6: Parallel and Perpendicular Lines

Please provide overview for the unit

Unit Objectives
At the end of this unit, we will be able to:
1. define and determine the slope of a line from any two points;
2. determine the equation of a line from a given point and a given slope;
3. determine the equation of a line from a given slope and 𝑦𝑦-intercept;
4. distinguish between equation of vertical lines from horizontal lines; and
5. determine the equations of parallel and perpendicular lines.

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 LINES
UNIT 2

This is a blank sheet for short notes on:

• issues that are not clear; and
• difficult topics, if any

38 CoDEUCC/BEd/BSc Information Technology

LINES UNIT 2
SESSION 1

SESSION 1: THE SLOPE OF A LINE

Dear Learner, welcome to session 1 of Unit 2. The theme of this
session is The Slope of a Line. In this session, we will learn the
concept of a slope. We will learn how to find the slope of a line that passes
through any two points. In later sessions, we will learn to derive the equations
for straight lines that lie in a coordinate plane. The equations will depend on
how the line is inclined. Therefore, we will begin by discussing the concept of
slope.

Objectives
By the end of this session, you should be able to:
(a)

Now read on…

1.1 The Concept of Slope

First, we need a way to measure the steepness of a line, or how quickly it rises
(or falls) as we move from the left to the right. We define run to be the
distance we move to the right, and we define rise to be the corresponding
distance that the line rises (or falls). The slope of a line is the ratio of the rise to
the run:
𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟
𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 =
𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟

𝑦𝑦

𝑥𝑥

𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹 2.1.2

As illustrated in Figure 2.1.2., the slope is defined as the ratio of the

𝑦𝑦 −component to the 𝑥𝑥 − component.
𝑦𝑦
𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 =
𝑥𝑥

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 UNIT 2 THE SLOPE OF A LINE
SESSION 1

In the image labelled Figure 1, we see different situations in which slope is

important. Carpenters use the term pitch for the slope of a roof or a staircase;
the term grade is used for the slope of a road.

If a line lies in a coordinate plane, then the run is the change in the 𝑥𝑥-
coordinate and the rise is the corresponding change in the 𝑦𝑦-coordinate
between any two points on the line, as we can see in in the image labelled
Figure 2 and our sketch Figure 1.12. This gives us the following definition of a
slope.

1.2 Definition of a Slope of a Line

The slope 𝑚𝑚 of a nonvertical line that passes through the points 𝐴𝐴(𝑥𝑥1 , 𝑦𝑦1 ) and
𝐵𝐵(𝑥𝑥2 , 𝑦𝑦2 ) is,
𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 𝑦𝑦2 − 𝑦𝑦1 𝑦𝑦1 − 𝑦𝑦2
𝑚𝑚 = = =
𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 𝑥𝑥2 − 𝑥𝑥1 𝑥𝑥1 − 𝑥𝑥2

The slope of a vertical line is not defined.

The slope is independent of which two points we choose on the line if we use
that line to draw any triangle. We can see that this is true from the similar
triangles below.
𝑦𝑦2 − 𝑦𝑦1 𝑦𝑦2′ − 𝑦𝑦1′
=
𝑥𝑥2 − 𝑥𝑥1 𝑥𝑥2′ − 𝑥𝑥1′
40 CoDEUCC/BEd/BSc Information Technology
LINES UNIT 2
SESSION 1

It is important to note that, lines with positive slopes slant upward to the right,
whereas lines that have negative slopes slant downward to the right.

Horizontal lines have zero slopes.

We begin with some examples of finding slopes.

1.3 Finding the Slope of a Line Through Two Points

Example 1.3.1
Find the slope of the line that passes through the points 𝑃𝑃(2, 1) and 𝑄𝑄(8, 5).

Solution 1.3.1
It is helpful to make a sketch of the points in a 𝑥𝑥 − 𝑦𝑦 cartesian coordinates. We
will leave the sketch as an exercise for the learners.

Any two points are enough to determine or sketch of a straight line, since only
one line passes through those two points.

From the definition of the slope 𝑚𝑚, we have

𝑦𝑦2 − 𝑦𝑦1 5 − 1 4 2
𝑚𝑚 = = = =
𝑥𝑥2 − 𝑥𝑥1 8 − 2 6 3

This result says that for every 3 units we move to the right, the line rises 2
units. We urge the learners to draw or make a sketch of the line.

In this session, we learned about slopes as the ratio of vertical rise

over the horizontal run. We learned also that the slope of a
horizontal line is not defined. Lines with positive slope slant upward to the

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 UNIT 2 THE SLOPE OF A LINE
SESSION 1
right, and lines with negative slopes slant downward to the right. We learned
how to find the slope of a line through two points, 𝑃𝑃1 (𝑥𝑥1 , 𝑦𝑦1 ) and 𝑃𝑃2 (𝑥𝑥2 , 𝑦𝑦2 ) as
𝑦𝑦2 − 𝑦𝑦1
𝑚𝑚 =
𝑥𝑥2 − 𝑥𝑥1

Exercises for Practice

1. Find the slope of the line that passes through the points 𝐴𝐴(2, 1) and
B(3, 4).

2. Find the slope of the line that passes through the points 𝑀𝑀(2, 6) and
N(3, 8).

Self-Assessment Question
Exercise 2.1
1. What is the slope of the line through 𝑃𝑃 and 𝑄𝑄 in the following
examples?
a. 𝑃𝑃(0, 0), 𝑄𝑄(4, 2)
b. 𝑃𝑃(2, 2), 𝑄𝑄(−10, 0)
c. 𝑃𝑃(1, 2), 𝑄𝑄(3, 3)
d. 𝑃𝑃(2, −5), 𝑄𝑄(−4, 3)
e. 𝑃𝑃(−1, −4), 𝑄𝑄(6, 0)

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LINES UNIT 2
SESSION 2

SESSION 2: THE POINT-SLOPE FORM OF THE

EQUATION OF A LINE
Dear Learner, welcome to session 2 of Unit 2. The theme of this
session is Point-Slope Form of the Equation of a Line. In the
previous session, we defined and determined the slope between two given
points. In this session, we will build on our knowledge of slope and will learn
how to derive the equations for straight lines that lie in a coordinate plane. We
will learn to determine the equation of a line using its given slope and any
point on the line. The equations will depend on how the line is inclined.

Objectives
By the end of the session, you should be able to:
(a)

Let us begin...

2.1 Point-Slope Form of Equation of a Line

We will find the equation of a line that passes through a given point 𝑃𝑃1 (𝑥𝑥1 , 𝑦𝑦1 )
and has a slope, 𝑚𝑚.

A point 𝑃𝑃(𝑥𝑥, 𝑦𝑦) with 𝑥𝑥 ≠ 𝑥𝑥1 lies on this line if and only if the slope of the line
that passes through point 𝑃𝑃1 and point 𝑃𝑃 is equal to 𝑚𝑚, (see Figure 2.2.2.), that
is,
𝑦𝑦 − 𝑦𝑦1
= 𝑚𝑚
𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥1
𝑦𝑦

𝑃𝑃(𝑥𝑥, 𝑦𝑦)

𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅
𝑦𝑦 − 𝑦𝑦1

𝑃𝑃1 (𝑥𝑥1 , 𝑦𝑦1 )

𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥1

0 𝑥𝑥

𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹 2.2.2.

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 UNIT 2 THE POINT-SLOPE FORM OF THE
SESSION 2 EQUATION OF A LINE
The equation,
𝑦𝑦 − 𝑦𝑦1
= 𝑚𝑚
𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥1

can be rewritten in the form 𝑦𝑦 − 𝑦𝑦1 = 𝑚𝑚(𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥1 ); note that the equation is also
satisfied when 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑥𝑥1 and 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑦𝑦1 . Therefore, it is an equation of the given
line.

Definition:
An equation of the line that passes through the point (𝑥𝑥1 , 𝑦𝑦1 ) and has a slope 𝑚𝑚
is defined by,
𝑦𝑦 − 𝑦𝑦1 = 𝑚𝑚(𝑥𝑥 − 𝑥𝑥1 )

2.2 Finding the Equation of a Line with Given Point and Slope
Example 2.2.1
1
a. Find an equation of the line through (1, −3) with slope − .
2
b. Sketch the line.

Solution 2.2.1
1
a) We will use the point-slope form with 𝑚𝑚 = − , 𝑥𝑥1 = 1, and 𝑦𝑦1 = −3. We
2
obtain an equation of the line as follows:
1
The 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝑚𝑚 = − 2, and the point (1, −3)
1
𝑦𝑦 − (−3) = − (𝑥𝑥 − 1)
2

We multiply both sides by 2 to obtain,

2𝑦𝑦 + 6 = −𝑥𝑥 + 1

We rearrange to obtain,
𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑦𝑦 + 5 = 0

b) We leave the sketching of the line as an exercise for the learner.

Example 2.2.2
Determine the equation of the line that passes through the point (5, 2) with a
slope −3.

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LINES UNIT 2
SESSION 2
Solution 2.2.2
Again, we use the point-slope method to determine the equation of the line
through (5, 2) with slope −3.

We begin by subtracting the given 𝑥𝑥1 = 5 and 𝑦𝑦1 = 2 coordinates of the given
point from the general point (𝑥𝑥, 𝑦𝑦)
𝑦𝑦 − 2 = −3(𝑥𝑥 − 5)

We expand and rearrange to obtain the equation of the line as follows:

𝑦𝑦 − 2 = −3𝑥𝑥 + 15

Rearranging, gives us,

3𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦 − 2 − 15 = 0

3𝑥𝑥 + 𝑦𝑦 − 17 = 0

2.3 Finding the Equation of a Line through Two Given Points

Example 2.3.1
Find the equation of the line through the points (-1, 2) and (3, -4).

Solution 2.3.1
We have not been given the slope of the line. We need to determine the slope
of the line through the two given points.

We begin by determine the slope as follows:

Remember, we learned in 1.1.3. that the slope is independent of which of the
two points we choose on the line to determine the slope
−4 − 2 6 3
𝑚𝑚 = =− =−
3 − (−1) 4 2
3
We use the point-slope form with 𝑚𝑚 = − 2 , 𝑥𝑥1 = −1 and 𝑦𝑦1 = 2 , we obtain,
3
𝑦𝑦 − 2 = − �𝑥𝑥 − (−1)�
2

We multiply through by 2 to obtain,

2𝑦𝑦 − 4 = −3(𝑥𝑥 + 1)

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 UNIT 2 THE POINT-SLOPE FORM OF THE
SESSION 2 EQUATION OF A LINE
2𝑦𝑦 − 4 = −3𝑥𝑥 − 3

3𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑦𝑦 − 4 + 3 = 0

3𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑦𝑦 − 1 = 0
Example 2.3.2
Find the equation of the line through the points (3, 5) and (4, 7).

Solution 2.3.2
We obtain the slope as follows:
7−5 2
𝑚𝑚 = = =2
4−3 1

First approach:
We use any one of the points and the slope to determine the equation of the
line.
Using the point (3, 5), with slope 2, we obtain
𝑦𝑦 − 5 = 2(𝑥𝑥 − 3)
We expand to obtain,
𝑦𝑦 − 5 = 2𝑥𝑥 − 6

2𝑥𝑥 − 𝑦𝑦 − 6 + 5 = 0

2𝑥𝑥 − 𝑦𝑦 − 1 = 0
Second Approach:
Using the point (4, 7), with slope 2 we obtain
𝑦𝑦 − 7 = 2(𝑥𝑥 − 4)
We expand to obtain,
𝑦𝑦 − 7 = 2𝑥𝑥 − 8

2𝑥𝑥 − 𝑦𝑦 − 8 + 7 = 0

2𝑥𝑥 − 𝑦𝑦 − 1 = 0

The same solution as the first approach.

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LINES UNIT 2
SESSION 2

We learned to determine the equation of a line when a slope and a

point on the line is given. We learned also to find the equation of
the line that passes through two points.

Exercises for Practice

1. Find the equation of the line that passes through the points (2, −4) and
has a slope −3.

2. What is the equation of the line that goes through (2, 1) and (3, 4)?

Self-Assessment Question
Exercise 2.2
1. Find the equation of the line that passes through the given point and the
given slope in the following:
a. Through (2, 3); slope 5
b. Through (−1, 4); slope −1
2
c. Through (1, 7); slope 3
7
d. Through (−3, −5); slope − 2
2
e. Through (3, −5) ; slope 5

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 UNIT 2 THE POINT-SLOPE FORM OF THE
SESSION 2 EQUATION OF A LINE
This is a blank sheet for short notes on:
• issues that are not clear; and
• difficult topics, if any

48 CoDEUCC/BEd/BSc Information Technology

LINES UNIT 2
SESSION 3

SESSION 3: SLOPE INTERCEPT FORM OF THE

EQUATION OF LINE

Please provide introduction

Objectives
By the end of the session, you should be able to:
(a)

Now read on…

Suppose a nonvertical line has a slope 𝑚𝑚 and 𝑦𝑦-intercept 𝑏𝑏 (see Figure 1.3.0.).
This means that the line intersects the 𝑦𝑦-axis at the point (0, 𝑏𝑏), so the point-
slope form of the equation of the line, with 𝑥𝑥 = 0 and 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑏𝑏, becomes,
𝑦𝑦 − 𝑏𝑏 = 𝑚𝑚(𝑥𝑥 − 0)

This equation simplifies to 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 + 𝑏𝑏, which is called the slope-intercept

form of the equation of a line.
𝑦𝑦

(0, 𝑏𝑏)

𝑦𝑦 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 + 𝑏𝑏

0
𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹 2.3.0. 𝑥𝑥

Definition:
An equation of the line that has slope 𝑚𝑚 and 𝑦𝑦-intercept 𝑏𝑏 is defined by,
𝑦𝑦 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 + 𝑏𝑏

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 UNIT 2 SLOPE INTERCEPT FORM OF THE
SESSION 3 EQUATION OF LINE
3.1 Line in Slope-Intercept Form
Example 3.1.1
a) Find the equation of the line with slope 3 and 𝑦𝑦-intercept −2
b) Find the slope and 𝑦𝑦-intercept of the line 3𝑦𝑦 − 2𝑥𝑥 = 1.

Solution 3.1.1
a) We have been given the slope 𝑚𝑚 = 3, and the 𝑦𝑦-intercept 𝑏𝑏 = −2.
From the slope-intercept form of the equation of a line, we get,

𝑦𝑦 = 3𝑥𝑥 − 2

b) This time, we have been given the equation of the line, and we are to
determine the slope and the 𝑦𝑦-intercept from the equation.

We first write the equation in slope-intercept form 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 + 𝑏𝑏:

3𝑦𝑦 − 2𝑥𝑥 = 1

We add 2𝑥𝑥 to both sides to obtain,

3𝑦𝑦 − 2𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑥 = 1 + 2𝑥𝑥

3𝑦𝑦 + 0 = 2𝑥𝑥 + 1

We divide both sides by 3 to obtain,

2 1
𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥 +
3 3
It is now in the form,
𝑦𝑦 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 + 𝑏𝑏

2 1
Where 𝑚𝑚 = 3 and 𝑏𝑏 = 3

2 1
Therefore, the slope 𝑚𝑚 = 3 and the 𝑦𝑦-intercept is 3.

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LINES UNIT 2
SESSION 3
Example 3.1.2
a) Find the equation of the line with slope -5 and 𝑦𝑦-intercept 4
b) Find the slope and 𝑦𝑦-intercept of the line 2𝑦𝑦 + 4𝑥𝑥 = 12.

Solution 3.1.2
a) We have been given the slope 𝑚𝑚 = −5, and the 𝑦𝑦-intercept 𝑏𝑏 = 4.
From the slope-intercept form of the equation of a line, we get,

𝑦𝑦 = 4 − 5𝑥𝑥

b) Again, we have been given the equation of the line, and we are to
determine the slope and the 𝑦𝑦-intercept from the equation.

We first write the equation in slope-intercept form 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 + 𝑏𝑏:

2𝑦𝑦 + 4𝑥𝑥 = 12

We subtract 4𝑥𝑥 from both sides to obtain,

2𝑦𝑦 + 4𝑥𝑥 − 4𝑥𝑥 = 12 − 4𝑥𝑥

2𝑦𝑦 + 0 = 12 − 4𝑥𝑥

We divide both sides by 2 to obtain,

𝑦𝑦 = 6 − 2𝑥𝑥
OR
𝑦𝑦 = −2𝑥𝑥 + 6

𝑦𝑦 = −(2𝑥𝑥 − 6)

Where 𝑚𝑚 = −2 and 𝑏𝑏 = 6

Therefore, the slope 𝑚𝑚 = −2 and the 𝑦𝑦-intercept 𝑏𝑏 = 6.

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 UNIT 2 SLOPE INTERCEPT FORM OF THE
SESSION 3 EQUATION OF LINE

Exercise for Practice

Find the equation of the line with slope 5 and an intercept on the 𝑦𝑦-axis −3

Summary please

Self-Assessments Questions
Exercise 2.3
1. Find the equation of the line that has the following conditions:
a. 𝑦𝑦-intercept −2 and slope 3
2
b. 𝑦𝑦-intercept 4 and slope 5
c. 𝑦𝑦-intercept 2 and slope −3
d. 𝑦𝑦-intercept 4 and slope 2
e. 𝑦𝑦-intercept 3 and slope −5

2. Find the 𝑦𝑦-intercepts and the slopes of the following equations of lines:
a. 𝑥𝑥 + 3𝑦𝑦 = 0
b. 3𝑥𝑥 − 4𝑦𝑦 − 12 = 0
c. 3𝑥𝑥 + 4𝑦𝑦 − 1 = 0
d. 4𝑥𝑥 + 5𝑦𝑦 − 10 = 0
e. −3𝑥𝑥 − 5𝑦𝑦 + 30 = 0

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LINES UNIT 2
SESSION 4

SESSION 4: VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL LINES

Please provide introduction

Objectives
By the end of the session, you should be able to:
(a)

Now read on…

If a line is horizontal, its slope is 𝑚𝑚 = 0, so its equation is 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑏𝑏, where 𝑏𝑏 is

the 𝑦𝑦-intercept.

A vertical line does not have a slope, but we can write its equation as 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑎𝑎,
where 𝑎𝑎 is its 𝑥𝑥-intercept, because the 𝑥𝑥-coordinate of every point on the line is
𝑎𝑎.

The image below illustrates the horizontal and vertical lines.

An equation of the vertical line through (𝑎𝑎, 𝑏𝑏) is 𝑥𝑥 = 3.

An equation of the horizontal line through (𝑎𝑎, 𝑏𝑏) is 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑏𝑏 .

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 UNIT 2 VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL LINES
SESSION 4
Example 4.0.1
a. An equation for the vertical line through (3, 5) is 𝑥𝑥 = 3.
b. The graph of the equation 𝑥𝑥 = 3 is a vertical line with 𝑥𝑥-intercept at 𝑥𝑥 = 3.
c. An equation for the horizontal line through (8, −2) is 𝑦𝑦 = −2.
d. The graph of the equation 𝑦𝑦 = −2 is a horizontal line with 𝑦𝑦-intercept at 𝑦𝑦 =
−2.
The graphs are illustrated in the diagram below.

Exercises for Practice

1a. Sketch the graph of the equation 𝑦𝑦 + 6 = 0
b. Sketch the graph of the equation 𝑥𝑥 − 3 = 0

Self-Assessments Questions
Exercise 2.4
1. Write the equation for the vertical line that passes through the point
(−3, 7)
2. Write the equation for the horizontal line that passes through the point
(2, −5)
3. Write the equation for the vertical line that has an intercept at 𝑥𝑥 = −12
4. Write the equation for the horizontal line that has an intercept at 𝑦𝑦 = 9

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LINES UNIT 2
SESSION 5

SESSION 5: GENERAL EQUATION OF A LINE

Please provide introduction

Objectives
By the end of the session, you should be able to:
(a)

Now read on…

A linear equation is an equation of the form,

𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 + 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 + 𝐶𝐶 = 0

Where 𝐴𝐴, 𝐵𝐵 and 𝐶𝐶 are constants and 𝐴𝐴 and 𝐵𝐵 are not both 0. The equation of a
line is a linear equation:
 A nonvertical line has the equation 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 + 𝑏𝑏 or −𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 + 𝑦𝑦 − 𝑏𝑏 = 0, which
is a linear equation with 𝐴𝐴 = −𝑚𝑚, 𝐵𝐵 = 1, and 𝐶𝐶 = −𝑏𝑏.
 A vertical line has the equation 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑎𝑎 or 𝑥𝑥 − 𝑎𝑎 = 0, which is a linear
equation with values for 𝐴𝐴 = 1, 𝐵𝐵 = 0, and 𝐶𝐶 = −𝑎𝑎
Conversely, the graph of a linear equation is a line.
 If 𝐵𝐵 ≠ 0 the equation becomes,
𝐴𝐴 𝐶𝐶
𝑦𝑦 = − 𝑥𝑥 −
𝐵𝐵 𝐵𝐵

And this is the slope-intercept form of the equation of a line (with 𝑚𝑚 = −𝐴𝐴/𝐵𝐵
and 𝑏𝑏 = −𝐶𝐶/𝐵𝐵).

 If 𝐵𝐵 = 0 the equation becomes

𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 + 𝐶𝐶 = 0

or 𝑥𝑥 = −𝐶𝐶/𝐴𝐴, which represents a vertical line.

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 UNIT 2 GENERAL EQUATION OF A LINE
SESSION 5
We have proved that:
o The graph of every linear equation
𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 + 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 + 𝐶𝐶 = 0 (𝐴𝐴, 𝐵𝐵 both are not zero) is a line. Conversely, every
line is the graph of a linear equation.

5.1 Graphing a Linear Equation

Example 5.1.1
Sketch the graph of the equation 2𝑥𝑥 − 3𝑦𝑦 − 12 = 0.
Solution 5.1.1
The equation is a linear equation, so its graph is a line.
To draw the graph, it is enough to find any two points on the line. The
intercepts are the easiest to find.

The 𝑥𝑥-intercept: Substitute 𝑦𝑦 = 0, to get, 2𝑥𝑥 − 3(0) − 12 = 0, 2𝑥𝑥 = 12, so 𝑥𝑥 = 6

The 𝑦𝑦-intercept: Substitute 𝑥𝑥 = 0, to get, 2(0) − 3𝑦𝑦 − 12 = 0, −3𝑦𝑦 = 12, so 𝑦𝑦 = −4

With these points, (6, 0) and (0, −4), we can sketch the graph as follows:

Alternative Solution:
We write the equation in slope-intercept form:
2𝑥𝑥 − 3𝑦𝑦 − 12 = 0

Add 12 to both sides.

2𝑥𝑥 − 3𝑦𝑦 − 12 + 12 = 0 + 12

2𝑥𝑥 − 3𝑦𝑦 = 12

Subtract 2𝑥𝑥 from both sides.

2𝑥𝑥 − 3𝑦𝑦 − 2𝑥𝑥 = 12 − 2𝑥𝑥

−3𝑦𝑦 = 12 − 2𝑥𝑥

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LINES UNIT 2
SESSION 5
Divide through (both sides) by 3
3𝑦𝑦 12 − 2𝑥𝑥
− =
3 3
12 − 2𝑥𝑥
𝑦𝑦 =
3
12 − 2𝑥𝑥
−𝑦𝑦 =
3
2
𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥 − 4
3
2
This equation is of the form 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 + 𝑏𝑏, so the slope is 𝑚𝑚 = 3 and the 𝑦𝑦-
intercept is 𝑏𝑏 = −4.

To sketch the graph, we plot 𝑦𝑦-intercept and then move 3 units to the right and
2 units up as shown in the image below.

Self-Assessments Question
Exercise 2.5
1. Identify the following types of equations:
a. 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 + 𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄 + 𝑅𝑅 = 0

b. 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 + 𝑞𝑞 or 𝑦𝑦 − 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 − 𝑞𝑞 = 0

c. 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑝𝑝 or 𝑥𝑥 − 𝑝𝑝 = 0

d. 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑝𝑝 or 𝑦𝑦 − 𝑝𝑝 = 0

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SESSION 5

This is a blank sheet for short notes on:

• issues that are not clear; and
• difficult topics, if any

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LINES UNIT 2
SESSION 6

SESSION 6: PARALLEL AND PERPENDICULAR LINES

Please provide introduction

Objectives
By the end of the session, you should be able to:
(a)

Now read on…

6.1 Parallel Lines

We have learned that slope is a measurement of steepness of a line. It is
reasonable that parallel lines should have the same slope.

6.2 About Parallel Lines

Two nonvertical lines are parallel if and only if they have the same slope.

The Proof:
Let the lines 𝑙𝑙1 and 𝑙𝑙2 represent any two lines with slope 𝑚𝑚1 and 𝑚𝑚2 . If the
lines are parallel, then we can draw any right-angled triangle on each line. For
example, a triangle 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 on line 𝑙𝑙1 will be similar to another right-angled
triangle on 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 on line 𝑙𝑙2 (see Figure 13) below.

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 UNIT 2 PARALLEL AND PERPENDICULAR LINES
SESSION 6
From the two triangles, we apply the Distance Formula from (Unit 1, Session 2)
as follows:

𝑑𝑑(𝐵𝐵, 𝐶𝐶) 𝑑𝑑(𝐸𝐸, 𝐹𝐹)

𝑚𝑚1 = = = 𝑚𝑚2
𝑑𝑑(𝐴𝐴, 𝐶𝐶) 𝑑𝑑(𝐷𝐷, 𝐹𝐹)

We have proved that two parallel lines have the same slope.

One the other hand, if the slopes are equal, then the triangles will be similar, so
∠𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 = ∠𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 and the lines are parallel.

6.3 Finding the Equation of Line Parallel to a Given Line

Example 6.3.1
Find an equation of the line through the point (5, 2) that is parallel to the line
4𝑥𝑥 + 6𝑦𝑦 + 5 = 0.

Solution 6.3.1
First, we will write the given equation of the line in the slope-intercept form,
𝑦𝑦 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 + 𝑏𝑏.

We have been given.

4𝑥𝑥 + 6𝑦𝑦 + 5 = 0

We subtract 4𝑥𝑥 + 5 from both sides to get,

4𝑥𝑥 + 6𝑦𝑦 + 5 − 4𝑥𝑥 − 5 = −4𝑥𝑥 − 5

6𝑦𝑦 = −4𝑥𝑥 − 5

We divide both sides by 6 or we divide through by 6

4 5
𝑦𝑦 = − 𝑥𝑥 −
6 6

2 5
𝑦𝑦 = − 𝑥𝑥 −
3 6
2
The given line has slope 𝑚𝑚 = − 3.

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LINES UNIT 2
SESSION 6
We have been informed that the required line is parallel to the given line.
Therefore, the required line must have the same slope as the given line, 𝑚𝑚 =
2
− 3.

From the point-slope form of the equation of a line, we use the given point
2
(5, 2) and the slope 𝑚𝑚 = − 3 to get,
2
𝑦𝑦 − 2 = − (𝑥𝑥 − 5)
3

We multiply through by 3 to obtain,

3𝑦𝑦 − 6 = −2𝑥𝑥 + 10

We rearrange the terms to obtain,

2𝑥𝑥 + 3𝑦𝑦 − 16 = 0

Therefore, the equation of the required line is,

2𝑥𝑥 + 3𝑦𝑦 − 16 = 0

6.4 Perpendicular Lines

The condition for perpendicular lines is not as obvious as that for parallel lines.

Two lines with slopes 𝑚𝑚1 and 𝑚𝑚2 are perpendicular if and only if 𝑚𝑚1 𝑚𝑚2 =
−1, that is, their slopes are negative reciprocals:
1
𝑚𝑚1 = −
𝑚𝑚2

Also, a horizontal line (slope 0) is perpendicular to a vertical line (no slope).

Figure 14 shows two lines intersecting at the

origin. (If the lines intersect at some other point,
we consider lines parallel to these that intersect at
the origin. These lines have the same slopes as the
original lines.)

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SESSION 6

If the lines 𝑙𝑙1 and 𝑙𝑙2 have slopes 𝑚𝑚1 and 𝑚𝑚2 , then their equations are 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑚𝑚1 𝑥𝑥
and 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑚𝑚2 𝑥𝑥. Notice that 𝐴𝐴(1, 𝑚𝑚1 ) lies on 𝑙𝑙1 and 𝐵𝐵(1, 𝑚𝑚2 ) lies on 𝑙𝑙2 . By the
Pythagorean Theorem and its converse, (which we shall state soon), 𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂 is
perpendicular to 𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂 if and only if,
[𝑑𝑑(𝑂𝑂, 𝐴𝐴)]2 + [𝑑𝑑(𝑂𝑂, 𝐵𝐵)]2 = [𝑑𝑑(𝐴𝐴, 𝐵𝐵)]2

By the Distance Formula, this becomes,

(12 + 𝑚𝑚12 ) + (12 + 𝑚𝑚22 ) = (1 − 1)2 + (𝑚𝑚2 − 𝑚𝑚1 )2

2 + 𝑚𝑚12 + 𝑚𝑚22 = 0 + 𝑚𝑚22 − 2𝑚𝑚1 𝑚𝑚2 + 𝑚𝑚12

2 = −2𝑚𝑚1 𝑚𝑚2

𝑚𝑚1 𝑚𝑚2 = −1

We have proved the condition for two perpendicular lines.

Example 6.4.1
Show that the points 𝑃𝑃(3, 3), 𝑄𝑄(8, 17), and 𝑅𝑅(11, 5) are the vertices of a right
triangle.

Solution 6.4.1
We proceed by finding the slopes for the sides, say side 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃, 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 and 𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄

We are given 𝑃𝑃(3, 3), 𝑄𝑄(8, 17), and 𝑅𝑅(11, 5)

The slope for the side 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 is,

17 − 3 14
𝑚𝑚1 = =
8−3 5

Also, the slope for the side 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 is,

5−3 2 1
𝑚𝑚2 = = =
11 − 3 8 4

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LINES UNIT 2
SESSION 6
Also, the slope for the side 𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄 is,

(5 − 17) −12
𝑚𝑚3 = = = −4
11 − 8 3
1
We have the slopes 𝑚𝑚2 = 4 and 𝑚𝑚3 = −4
1
𝑚𝑚2 𝑚𝑚3 = × (−4) = −1
4

It means the lines 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 and 𝑄𝑄𝑄𝑄 are perpendicular, hence the points 𝑃𝑃(3, 3),
𝑄𝑄(8, 17) and 𝑅𝑅(11, 5) are the vertices of a right-angled triangle.

Its graph is shown in the image labelled as Figure 15

6.5 Finding an Equation of a Line Perpendicular to a Given

Line
Example 6.5.1
Find an equation of the line that is perpendicular to the line 4𝑥𝑥 + 6𝑦𝑦 + 5 = 0
and passes through the origin.

Solution 6.5.1
We have seen this equation before: 4𝑥𝑥 + 6𝑦𝑦 + 5 = 0.

Do we remember or can we recognize this equation? I will give you a minute

to remember or identify it.

We met it in Example 6.3.1

2
We found the slope of the line 4𝑥𝑥 + 6𝑦𝑦 + 5 = 0 to be − 3.

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 UNIT 2 PARALLEL AND PERPENDICULAR LINES
SESSION 6

Therefore, the slope of a line that is perpendicular to 4𝑥𝑥 + 6𝑦𝑦 + 5 = 0 is the

2 −1 3
negative reciprocal of − 3, i.e., 2 = 2
−
3

Also, we have been informed that the line passes through the origin, (0, 0)

Using the point-slope form, we get,

3
𝑦𝑦 − 0 = (𝑥𝑥 − 0)
2
3
𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥
2

Self-Assessments Questions
Exercise 2.6
1. Find the equation of the line that passes through the point (3, 2) and is
parallel to the line 2𝑥𝑥 + 4𝑦𝑦 − 6 = 0.

2. Find the equation of the line that passes through the point (2, 3) and is
parallel to the line 2𝑦𝑦 − 4𝑥𝑥 + 6 = 0.

3. Find the equation of the line that is perpendicular to the line 2𝑦𝑦 −
8𝑥𝑥 + 4 = 0 and passes through the point (3, 4).

4. Find the equation of the line that is perpendicular to the line 3𝑦𝑦 − 6𝑥𝑥 +
2 = 0 and passes through the point (2, 3)/

5. Find the equation of the line that is perpendicular to the line 12𝑥𝑥 −
3𝑦𝑦 + 2 = 0 and passes through the point (5, −3).

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