Question

Calculate the slope of the line that contains the points (-2, 3) and (5,-3).

Answer 1

-6/7

Explanation:

To find the slope of a line given two points on that line, you can use the slope formula:
`(y_2-y_1)/(x_2-x_2)` where you have points
`(x_1,y_1) \text{ and } (x_2,y_2)`.

When using that formula, do not put the subscripts when plugging in the answers.

Something that is equivalent to that formula and I think is easier to remember is:

Lining up the points and subtracting vertically and then putting 2nd difference over first difference.

Like this:

(-2 , 3)

- ( 5 , -3)

-------------

-7 6

So the slope is 6/-7 or -6/7.

It doesn't matter what order you do the points. You have done the (5,-3) on top instead.

Like this:

( 5, -3)

- (-2, 3)

--------------

7 -6

The slope is still -6/7.

If you don't like that and you do just directly like using that formula, then I will do it that way too.

So applying the formula either gives you:
`(3-(-3))/(-2-5))` or
`(-3-3)/(5-(-2))`. Both will give us the same number.

`(3-(-3))/(-2-5))=(6)/(-7)=(-6)/(7)`

`(-3-3)/(5-(-2))=(-6)/(7)`

Answer 2

Explanation: