Question

What is the slope of the line below?

(-1,5)
(2, -1)
A. positive
B. undefined
C. Zero
D. negative

Answer 1

D. Negative.

Explanation:

In truth, when given the graph you don't really need to use the points, but if needed it you would use the formula:

y-y₁=m(x-x₁)

Plug in your information and solve.

-1 - 5 = m (2 - (-1))

-6 = m (3)

-6 = 3m

m = -6 / 3

m = -2

(m = slope)

Also, when shown on the graph =

If the slope is going:

up from left to right: it's positive

down from left to right: it's negative

straight up and down (vertical): it's undefined

straight left to right (horizontal): it's zero.