Answer
(a) slope = $-\frac{5}{4}$
(b) Refer to the graph below.
Work Step by Step
Solve for $y$ by dividing both sides of the equation by $-4$:
$\frac{-4y}{-4}=\frac{5x}{-4}
\\y = -\frac{5}{4}x$
This means the given equation is equivalent to $y=-\frac{5}{4}x$.
RECALL:
In the linear equation $y=mx + b$, $m$=slope and $(0, b)$ is the y-intercept.
(a) The line $y=-\frac{5}{4}x$ has a slope of $-\frac{5}{4}$ and a y-intercept of $(0, 0)$.
(b) To graph the line, perform the following steps:
(1) Plot the y-intercept $(0, 0)$.
(2) Use the slope to plot another point.
The slope is $-\frac{5}{4}=\frac{-5}{4}$ so there is a 5-unit decrease in the value of $y$ for every 4-unit increase in $x$. From $(0, 0)$, move 5 units down (the rise) and 4 units to the right (the run) to reach $(4, -5)$. Plot $(4, -5)$.
(3) Complete the graph by connecting the two points using a line.
(Refer to the graph in the answer part above.)