Questions on Algebra: Systems of Linear Equations answered by real tutors!

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Question 152381: hello. I am having difficulties with my summer math packet, I am really stuck on the problems that have to do with slope, one of these problems is to determine the slope of the line that passes through (5, 1) and (2, 7) so far, I have determined that it may be 6/-3, I used the y2-y1/x2-x1 formula, but I still sense it may be wrong. . I have even more difficulty when I have to use fractions with it such as (-1/2, -2) and (-3/2, 1), I have completely forgotten everything, and desperatly need help: hello. I am having difficulties with my summer math packet, I am really stuck on the problems that have to do with slope, one of these problems is to determine the slope of the line that passes through (5, 1) and (2, 7) so far, I have determined that it may be 6/-3, I used the y2-y1/x2-x1 formula, but I still sense it may be wrong. . I have even more difficulty when I have to use fractions with it such as (-1/2, -2) and (-3/2, 1), I have completely forgotten everything, and desperatly need help
Answer by Earlsdon(3748) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
You have used the slope formula correctly: m = (y[2]-y[1])/(x[2]-x[1]) and substiuting the given points, you got:
m = (7-1)/(2-5)
m = 6/(-3) Now you should reduce this fraction to its lowest terms:
m = -2
Now let's look at the fractions.
m = (1-(-2))/((-3/2)-(-1/2))
m = (1+2)/((-3/2)+(1/2))
m = 3/(-2/2)
m = 3/(-1)
m = -3