Final answer:
The slope of a line that passes through the points (5, -6) and (7, -15) is calculated using the formula m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1), which results in a slope of -4.5.
Step-by-step explanation:
The slope of a line passing through two points (5, -6) and (7, -15) is determined by finding the difference in the y-coordinates (the rise) and dividing it by the difference in the x-coordinates (the run). The formula to calculate the slope (m) between two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) is given by the following equation:
m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)
Applying this formula to the given points:
- First, identify the coordinates: (x1, y1) = (5, -6) and (x2, y2) = (7, -15).
- Next, subtract the y-coordinates: y2 - y1 = (-15) - (-6) = -9.
- Then, subtract the x-coordinates: x2 - x1 = (7) - (5) = 2.
- Finally, divide the differences to find the slope: m = -9 / 2 = -4.5.
Therefore, the slope of the line that passes through the points (5, -6) and (7, -15) is -4.5.