Question

the slope of a line through the points (-2,4) and (6,b) is -3/2. what is the value of b ? explain your method for calculating b.

Answer 1

b = -8

Explanation:

We are given the slope m = -3/2.

As we move from (-2, 4) to (6, b), x increases by 8 and y increases by (b-4).

Thus, the slope is also represented by

b - 4

m = ------------- . We set this equal to m = -3/2 and solve for b:

8

b - 4 -3

------------- = ------ We set this equal to m = -3/2 and solve for b:

8 2

Tjem 2b - 8 = -24, or 2b = -16, or b = -8.