Essay

Recalling Perpendicular Line Slopes for Utility Blueprint Verification

An assistant municipal planner is reviewing utility blueprints. The plan lists two power lines modeled by the linear equations 5x+4y=1{}5x + 4y = 1 and 4x+5y=3{}4x + 5y = 3. To comply with local safety codes, these utility lines must meet at a perpendicular angle.

Recall the rules for determining perpendicularity using slopes, and write an essay that addresses the following:

  1. Explain the step-by-step process of converting both linear equations to slope-intercept form (y=mx+by = mx + b), and state the resulting slope for each line.
  2. Recall the mathematical condition concerning the product of the slopes that must be met for two lines to be considered perpendicular.
  3. Calculate the product of the two specific slopes, and explain why this product confirms that the power lines do not meet the perpendicularity requirement.

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Updated 2026-06-04

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