Short Answer
The slope of line AC is calculated as m1 = (a + c) / b, while the slope of line CB is m2 = (c – a) / -b. For the lines to be perpendicular, the product of their slopes must equal -1, confirming their perpendicularity if the equation m1 * m2 = -1 holds true.
Step 1: Evaluate the Slope of Line AC
To find the slope of line AC, denote the coordinates involved. The slope can be calculated using the formula: m1 = (y2 – y1) / (x2 – x1). By substituting the points, we find:
- m1 = a – (-c) / (b – 0)
- m1 = (a + c) / b
Step 2: Evaluate the Slope of Line CB
Now we’ll determine the slope of line CB using the same method. Again, we substitute the coordinates of points C and B into the slope formula:
- m2 = (y2 – y1) / (x2 – x1)
- m2 = (c – a) / (0 – b)
- m2 = (c – a) / -b
Step 3: Establishing Perpendicular Lines
For the lines to be perpendicular, the product of their slopes (m1 and m2) must yield -1. Hence, we equate:
- m1 * m2 = -1
- [(a + c) / b] * [(c – a) / -b] = -1
This leads us to the conclusion that these two lines are indeed perpendicular if the equation holds true.