Find the value of P if the line joining (P, 4) and (6, -2) is perpendicular to the line joining (2, P) and (-1, 3).
The correct answer is A. 4
For two lines to be perpendicular, the product of their slopes must be -1. Let's first find the slope of the line joining the points (2, P) and (-1, 3). The slope is given by:
\(m_1 = \frac{3 - P}{-1 - 2} = \frac{P - 3}{3}\)
Now, let's find the slope of the line joining the points (P, 4) and (6, -2). The slope is given by:
\(m_2 = \frac{-2 - 4}{6 - P} = \frac{-6}{P - 6}\)
Since these two lines are perpendicular, we have:
\(m_1 \cdot m_2 = -1\)
\(\frac{P - 3}{3} \cdot \frac{-6}{P - 6} = -1\)
\(\frac{2(P - 3)}{P - 6} = -1\)
Multiplying both sides by \(P - 6\) gives:
\(2P - 6 = -P + 6\)
\(3P = 12\)
\(P = 4\)
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