Intermediate Algebra: Connecting Concepts through Application

Published by Brooks Cole
ISBN 10: 0-53449-636-9
ISBN 13: 978-0-53449-636-4

Chapter 1 - Linear Functions - 1.3 Fundamentals of Graphing and Slope - 1.3 Exercises - Page 52: 36

Answer

The slope of the line is $-\frac{5}{2}$.

Work Step by Step

The plot of the given points is shown below. It also shows that all the points lie in a single line. To find the slope of the line passing through the given points, pick any two of the given points and then use the formula for finding the slope of the line passing through two points. The formula for finding the slope, $m$, of the line passing through two points, $(x_1,y_1)$ and $(x_2,y_2)$ is given by $m=\frac{y_1-y_2}{x_1-x_2}$. With $(x_1,y_1)=(4,7)$ and $(x_2,y_2)=(14,-18)$, then $$\begin{aligned} m&=\frac{y_1-y_2}{x_1-x_2} \\&= \frac{7-(-18)}{4-14} \\&= \frac{7+18}{4-14} \\&= \frac{25}{-10} \\&= \frac{5\cdot5}{-2\cdot5} \\&= -\frac{5}{2} .\end{aligned} $$ Hence, the slope of the line, $m$, passing through the given points is $-\frac{5}{2}$.
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