Question

Find the slope of the line that passes through (–7, 1) and (7, 8)

Answer 1

1/2

Explanation:

The slope formula is:

`m=(y_(2)-y_(1) )/(x_(2)-x_(1) )`

where (x1,y1) and (x1, y2) are 2 points the line passes through.

We are given the points:

(-7,1) and (7,8). Match the corresponding variables with the points.

x1= -7

y1= 1

x2= 7

y2= 8

Substitute these values into the formula.

`m=(8-1 )/(7--7 )`

Solve the numerator first. Subtract 1 from 8.

`m=(7 )/(7--7 )`

Now solve the denominator. Subtract -7 from 7, or add 7 and 7.

`m=(7)/(7+7)`

`m=(7)/(14)`

This fraction can be simplified. Both 7 and 14 can be divided evenly by 7.

`m= ((7/7))/((14/7))`

`m=(1)/(2)`

The slope of the line is 1/2.

Answer 2

slope= 1/2x

Explanation:

For this line, you can count it going up 7 and to the right 14. Next, to calculate the slope, you take the change in y over the change in x, and you take those numbers (7 and 14) and divide 7 by 14 to get the slope, which simplifies to 1/2x, the slope.