Question:medium

Two straight lines \( 3x - 2y = 5 \) and \( 2x + ky + 7 = 0 \) are perpendicular to each other. The value of \( k \) is:

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When two lines are perpendicular, the product of their slopes equals \( -1 \). Use this property to find the unknown slope in problems involving perpendicular lines.
Updated On: Jan 15, 2026
  • \( \frac{1}{3} \)
  • \( \frac{4}{3} \)
  • \( \frac{3}{2} \)
  • 3
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

For two lines to be perpendicular, the product of their slopes must be \( -1 \). We begin by finding the slopes of the given lines.
1. First line equation: \( 3x - 2y = 5 \)
Rearrange into slope-intercept form \( y = mx + c \):
\[ 3x - 2y = 5 \quad \Rightarrow \quad -2y = -3x + 5 \quad \Rightarrow \quad y = \frac{3}{2}x - \frac{5}{2} \] The slope of the first line is \( m_1 = \frac{3}{2} \). 2. Second line equation: \( 2x + ky + 7 = 0 \)
Rearrange into slope-intercept form:
\[ 2x + ky + 7 = 0 \quad \Rightarrow \quad ky = -2x - 7 \quad \Rightarrow \quad y = -\frac{2}{k}x - \frac{7}{k} \] The slope of the second line is \( m_2 = -\frac{2}{k} \). For the lines to be perpendicular:
\[ m_1 \times m_2 = -1 \] Substitute the values of \( m_1 \) and \( m_2 \):
\[ \frac{3}{2} \times \left( -\frac{2}{k} \right) = -1 \quad \Rightarrow \quad -\frac{6}{2k} = -1 \quad \Rightarrow \quad \frac{6}{2k} = 1 \quad \Rightarrow \quad k = 3 \] Thus, the solution is \( k = 3 \).
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