Question

What is the slope of the line that passes through (-3,7) and (5,-1)

Answer 1

To find the slope(m), use the slope formula:

$m=\frac{y_2-y_1}{x_2-x_1}$     And plug in the two points on the line

(-3, 7) = (x₁, y₁)

(5, -1) = (x₂, y₂)

$m=\frac{y_2-y_1}{x_2-x_1}$

$m=\frac{-1-7}{5-(-3)}$  (two negative signs cancel each other out and become positive)

$m=\frac{-1-7}{5+3}$

$m=\frac{-8}{8}$     Simplify the fraction

m = -1