Identifying the slope of a line

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on identifying the slope of a line using the formula (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1). The user selected two points, (8, -3) and (-6, 4), and calculated the slope as -1/2. The conversation emphasizes the importance of using parentheses in the slope formula to avoid confusion and ensure accurate calculations. The final consensus confirms that the calculated slope of -1/2 is correct, regardless of the order of points chosen.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Cartesian coordinates
  • Familiarity with the slope formula (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)
  • Basic algebra skills for manipulating equations
  • Knowledge of graphing linear equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Practice calculating slopes using different sets of points
  • Learn about the properties of linear equations and their graphs
  • Explore the concept of slope-intercept form (y = mx + b)
  • Investigate real-world applications of slope in various fields
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Students learning algebra, educators teaching linear equations, and anyone needing to understand the concept of slope in mathematics.

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Homework Statement


identifying the slope of the line?[/B]
upload_2016-4-20_12-45-28.png


Homework Equations


y2-y1/x2-x1

The Attempt at a Solution


i chose two points on the line, the first point is (8,-3) and the second point is (-6,4). Are these points accurate?
i used the slope equation to solve for the slope of the line from the graph:
4-(-3) / -6-8 = -7/14 = -1/2

is this right?
 
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Well done. One tip: use brackets -- not 4-(-3) / -6-8 but ( 4-(-3) ) / ( -6-8 )
 
can the answer also be 7/-14 and 1/-2
 
Kirito123 said:

Homework Statement


identifying the slope of the line?[/B]
View attachment 99414

Homework Equations


y2-y1/x2-x1

The Attempt at a Solution


i chose two points on the line, the first point is (8,-3) and the second point is (-6,4). Are these points accurate?
i used the slope equation to solve for the slope of the line from the graph:
4-(-3) / -6-8 = -7/14 = -1/2

is this right?



What you wrote means ##y_2 - \frac{y_1}{x_2} - x_2##, which is not correct. Did you mean ##\frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}##? If so, you need to use parentheses, like this: (y2-y1)/(x2-x1).
 
Both of these are the same value as ##-{1\over 2}##, which is the simplest way to express that value. Whatever points you choose, you always get ## - {a\over 2a}## as a result.
 
got it, thanks!
 
Kirito123 said:
i chose two points on the line, the first point is (8,-3) and the second point is (-6,4). Are these points accurate?
i used the slope equation to solve for the slope of the line from the graph:
4-(-3) / -6-8 = -7/14 = -1/2

is this right?

its a straight line ,so where lies the confusion about its being wrong?
 
i solved this question previously and got a different slope compared to what I'm getting now. Then i realized that my points were wrong when doing it the first time, so i wanted to make sure the points i chose were correct in my second attempt.
 
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