Question

Find the value of k so that the line through the given points has the given slope.

(1, k) (-1, -4) slope = 3/2

Answer 1

The formula of a slope:

`m=(y_2-y_1)/(x_2-x_1)`

We have the points (1, k) and (-1, -4) and the slope m = 3/2. Substitute:

`(-4-k)/(-1-1)=(3)/(2)\\\\(-4-k)/(-2)=(3)/(2)\qquad\text{multiply both sides by (-2)}\\\\-4-k=-3\qquad\text{add 4 to both sides}\\\\-k=1\qquad\text{change the signs}\\\\\boxed{k=-1}`