Precalculus (10th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32197-907-9
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-907-0

Chapter 1 - Graphs - 1.3 Lines - 1.3 Assess Your Understanding - Page 30: 23

Answer

The slope is undefined because the line is vertical. Refer to the graph below.

Work Step by Step

The slope of the line can be determined by the equation: $m=\dfrac{y_2-y_1}{x_2-x_1}$ where $(x_1, y_1)$ and $(x_2, y_2)$ are two given points on the line. Here, we can substitute the coordinates of the points $(-1,2)$ and $(-1,-2)$ to obtain: $m=\dfrac{-2-2}{-1-(-1))}=\dfrac{-4}{0}$ which is undefined. A line with an undefined slope is vertical. Plot the points and connect them using a line.
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