1961 AHSME Problems/Problem 3

Problem

If the graphs of $2y+x+3=0$ and $3y+ax+2=0$ are to meet at right angles, the value of $a$ is:

$\textbf{(A)}\ \pm \frac{2}{3} \qquad \textbf{(B)}\ -\frac{2}{3}\qquad \textbf{(C)}\ -\frac{3}{2} \qquad \textbf{(D)}\ 6\qquad \textbf{(E)}\ -6$

Solution

The slope of the first graph is -1/2. The slope of the second is 2, since it is perpendicular, and it is also -a/3 by rearranging. Thus $a=-6$ . Answer is $\boxed{\textbf{(E)}}$ .

1961 AHSC (Problems • Answer Key • Resources)
Preceded by Problem 2	Followed by Problem 4
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1961 AHSME Problems/Problem 3

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