An interactive applet and associated web page that show how to determine of one line is perpendicular to another in coordinate geometry. The principle used is that if two lines a re perpendicular to each other the slope of one is the negative reciprocal of the other.

The applet shows to lines that the user can move. The slopes are continuously calculated as you drag them, and if the they are parallel they change color. The calculation is shown on screen updated continuously as you drag.

The grid, axis pointers and coordinates can be turned on and off. The calculation display can be turned off to permit class exercises and then turned back on the verify the answers. The applet can be printed as it appears on the screen to make handouts.

The web page has a full description of the concept of perpendicularity, a worked example and has links to other pages relating to coordinate geometry.

Applet can be enlarged to full screen size for use with a classroom projector. After use in the classroom, student can access it again from any web browser at home or in the library with no login required.

This resource is a component of the Math Open Reference Interactive Geometry textbook project at http://www.mathopenref.com.