Determining a line that intersects another at a right angle is a fundamental concept in geometry and algebra. A perpendicular line forms a 90-degree angle with the original line. For instance, given a line represented by the equation y = 2x + 3, a perpendicular line to it will have a slope that is the negative reciprocal of 2.
Understanding perpendicularity is essential in various fields, including architecture, engineering, and computer graphics. Accurately calculating perpendicular lines ensures structural integrity in building design, facilitates precise calculations in engineering projects, and enables realistic rendering in graphical applications. Historically, this concept dates back to ancient geometric principles used in land surveying and construction.
