Question

Find the slope of the line passing through the points (–1, 3) and (4, –7).

Answer 1

The answer is -2 because -7-3=-10 and 4-(-1)=5 and -10÷5=-2

Answer 2

Slope is rise over run, i.e., y over x. So, to find slope, take your y values and subtract them. It doesn't matter which one first, just make sure whatever you decide matches with the way you subtract your x values. So, for this, I'll do 3 - -7. Subtracting a negative makes a positive, so you have 10. Do the same to your x values. -1 - 4 is -5. Now, you have the fraction 10/-5, which simplifies to -2. Your slope, therefore, is -2. Hope this helps!