Question

The graph of a linear function is shown.

A coordinate plane with a straight line drawn passing through (negative 5, negative 3) and (5, negative 3).
Which word describes the slope of the line?

positive
negative
zero
undefined

Answer 1

The graph describes a horizontal line with a slope of zero, as there is no change in the y-coordinates between the two given points.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student has presented a graph of a linear function that passes through two points: (negative 5, negative 3) and (5, negative 3). To determine the descriptive word for the slope of this line, we need to apply the concept of slope, which is the change in the y-coordinates divided by the change in the x-coordinates when moving from one point to another on the line. Since the line is horizontal and both y-coordinates are negative 3, the change in y is zero, resulting in a slope of zero. Thus, the correct descriptor for the slope of this line would be 'zero'.