Question

question 7 of 10

how do you know if two line segments are perpendicular?

a. their slopes are reciprocals.
b. their slopes are equal.
c. the slope of one is the negative of the slope of the other.
d. their slopes are negative reciprocals.

Explanation:

Define perpendicular slope relationship

$$ m_1 \cdot m_2 = -1 $$

Express relationship in terms of one slope

$$ m_2 = -\frac{1}{m_1} $$

Match with given options

$$ \text{Option D: Their slopes are negative reciprocals.} $$

Answer:

• A. Their slopes are reciprocals.
• B. Their slopes are equal.
• C. The slope of one is the negative of the slope of the other.
• D. Their slopes are negative reciprocals. (Correct answer)