Question

The equation of line L is 3x - 8y + 20 = 0. Find the gradient of line L.

Answer 1

Answer:

The slope or gradient of the line L will be: m = 3/8

Step-by-step explanation

We know that the slope-intercept form of the line equation

$y = mx+b$

where m is the slope or gradient and b is the y-intercept

Given the equation of the line

$3x - 8y + 20 = 0$

Let us solve for 'y' to write the equation in the slope-intercept form

$3x - 8y + 20 = 0$

Add -3x to both sides

$3x-8y+20+\left(-3x\right)=0+\left(-3x\right)$

simplify

$-8y+20=-3x$

subtract 20 from both sides

$-8y+20-20=-3x-20$

simplify

$-8y=-3x-20$

Divide both sides by -8.

$\frac{-8y}{-8}=\frac{-3x-20}{-8}$

$y=\frac{3}{8}x+\frac{5}{2}$

Thus, comparing with the slope-intercept form

$y = mx+b$

$m\:=\:\frac{3}{8}$

Thus, the slope or gradient of the line L will be: m = 3/8