Question

I am not understanding the question ax+by+c=0 without any numbers how do i determine the slope

Answer 1

The slope of given line is -a/b.

Explanation:

The given equation is

`ax+by+c=0`

where, a, b and c are any real number.

The slope intercept form of a line is

`y=mx+p` .... (1)

where, m is slope and p is y-intercept.

First write the given equation in set slope intercept form.

Subtract ax and c from both sides.

`by=-ax-c`

Divide both sides by b.

`y=(-ax-c)/(b)`

`y=-(a)/(b)x-(c)/(b)` .... (2)

On comparing (1) and (2) we get

`m=-(a)/(b)`

`p=-(c)/(b)`

Therefore the slope of given line is -a/b.