## Intermediate Algebra: Connecting Concepts through Application

part a: $m$=$-\frac{3}{2}$ part b: decreasing part c: $(0,2.25)$ part d: $(1.75,0)$
part a: Formula for finding slope: $m=\frac{y_{2}-y_{1}}{x_{2}-x_{1}}$ Substitute with two points given on the line: $m=\frac{{4}-{(-2)}}{{(-1)}-{3}}$ $\ast$ you can pick any two points on the line, but in this explanation $(3,-2)$ and $(-1,4)$ were used Simplify:$m=\frac{6}{-4}=\frac{3}{-2}$ part b: Because the slope is negative, the line is decreasing. part c: The y-intercept is where the line intersects or goes through the vertical axis. In this problem, we have to estimate the y-intercept. It is just over 2. We could further assume it is about 2.25 since it is just under the halfway point between 2 and 3. In proper form, the y-intercept is $(0,2.25)$. part d: The x-intercept is where the line intersects or goes through the horizontal axis. In this problem, we have to estimate the x-intercept. It is just before 2. We could further assume it is about 1.75 since it is over the halfway point between 1 and 2. In proper form, the x-intercept is $(1.75,0)$.