Question

The data in the table are linear. Use the table to find the slope.

Answer 1

Answer:

$m = -\frac{3}{2}$

Step-by-step explanation:

Given

x 2 4 6 8

y 1 -2 -5 -8

Required

Determine the slope

First, pick any two corresponding x and y values.

$(x_1,y_1) =(2,1)$

$(x_2,y_2) =(8,-8)$

The slope (m) is then calculated using:

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

Substitute in, the x and y values

$m = \frac{1 - (-8)}{2- 8}$

$m = \frac{1 +8}{-6}$

$m = \frac{9}{-6}$

$m = -\frac{9}{6}$

Divide numerator and denominator by 3

$m = -\frac{9/3}{6/3}$

$m = -\frac{3}{2}$

Hence, the slope is -3/2