Final answer:
The slope between the points (-4, -1) and (-2, -5) is calculated using the slope formula, resulting in a slope of -2. This indicates a downward slope in the graph.
Step-by-step explanation:
The slope of a straight line between two points can be calculated using the slope formula, which is (rise over run) or Δy/Δx. To find the slope between the points (-4, -1) and (-2, -5), we designate one as the starting point and the other as the end point.
Using the formula:
Slope (m) = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)
We substitute our points into the formula:
Starting point = (-4, -1) (x1, y1)
End point = (-2, -5) (x2, y2)
Thus:
Slope (m) = (-5 - (-1)) / (-2 - (-4))
Now calculate the differences:
Slope (m) = (-5 + 1) / (-2 + 4)
Slope (m) = -4 / 2
Therefore, the slope is -2.
This means for every unit you move horizontally to the right, you move 2 units vertically downward on the graph.