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Parallel Lines

What are parallel lines?

  • Parallel lines share the same slope but are distinct from one another.
  • Parallel lines never intersect.
  • When lines are expressed in the form y = mx + c, you can easily identify parallel lines by their identical 𝑚m values (slopes).
    • For example, y = 3x + 7 and y = 3x − 4 are parallel because they have the same slope.
    • In contrast, y = 2x + 3 and y = 3x + 3 are not parallel since their slopes are different.
    • Although y = 4x + 9 and y = 4x + 9 have the same slope, they are not parallel because they represent the same line.

How do I find the equation of a line parallel to another line?

  • Since parallel lines have the same slope, a line in the form y = mx + c will be parallel to a line in the form y = mx + d, with the same 𝑚m for both lines.
    • If c = d, then the lines would be identical and not parallel.
  • To find the equation of a line parallel to y = mx + c, you will need information about a point (x1, y1) that the parallel line y = mx + d passes through.
  • Substitute the point (x1, y1) into y = mx + d and solve for d.

Perpendicular Lines

  • It is a known fact that parallel lines have equal gradients.
  • Perpendicular lines intersect each other at right angles, specifically at 90°.

What’s the deal with perpendicular gradients (and lines)?

  • Before delving into perpendicular gradients and lines, it's crucial to grasp how to determine the equation of a straight line. This skill will be fundamental for solving related problems.
  • Gradients m1 and m2 are considered perpendicular if m1 x m= -1. 
  • For instance, 
    • 1 and −1
    • 1/3 and 3
    • Parallel & Perpendicular Lines | Mathematics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11
  • We can use m2 = −1 ÷ m1 to find a perpendicular gradient. This is called the negative reciprocal.
  • When in doubt, sketching the lines can provide a visual aid in understanding the perpendicular relationship between two gradients.
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FAQs on Parallel & Perpendicular Lines - Mathematics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11

1. How can we determine if two lines are parallel using their equations?
Ans. Two lines are parallel if their slopes are equal. This means that if the gradients of the lines are the same, then the lines are parallel.
2. Can two perpendicular lines have the same slope?
Ans. No, perpendicular lines have slopes that are negative reciprocals of each other. This means that if one line has a slope of m, the perpendicular line will have a slope of -1/m.
3. How can we find the equation of a line that is perpendicular to a given line passing through a specific point?
Ans. To find the equation of a line perpendicular to a given line, first find the negative reciprocal of the slope of the given line. Then, use the point-slope form of the equation to find the equation of the perpendicular line passing through the given point.
4. Can two lines be both parallel and perpendicular to each other at the same time?
Ans. No, two lines cannot be both parallel and perpendicular to each other at the same time. If two lines are parallel, they will never intersect, while perpendicular lines intersect at a right angle.
5. How can we determine if two lines are perpendicular by looking at their equations?
Ans. Two lines are perpendicular if the product of their slopes is -1. This means that if the gradients of the lines are m1 and m2, then m1 * m2 = -1, indicating that the lines are perpendicular.
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