Parallel & Perpendicular Gradients (Edexcel AS Maths): Revision Note
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Parallel & Perpendicular Gradients
What are parallel lines?
Parallel lines are equidistant meaning they never meet
Parallel lines have equal gradients
What are perpendicular lines?
Perpendicular lines meet at right angles
The product of their gradients is -1
What are collinear lines?
Collinear lines are two line segments that are part of the same line
They have equal gradients and pass through, or meet at, a point
Rearrange their equations into the same form and they will be identical
How do I tell if lines are parallel or perpendicular?
Rearrange equations into the form y = mx + c
m is the gradient
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Exam questions are good at “hiding” parallel and perpendicular lines.
For example a tangent and a radius are perpendicular.
Parallel lines could be implied by phrases like “… at the same rate …”
Worked Example
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