SOLUTION: Find the slope of the line that goes through the given points. (3,-2),(-1,-6) Any assistance would be greatly appreciated, I'm having a lot of trouble grasping this.

Algebra ->  Linear-equations -> SOLUTION: Find the slope of the line that goes through the given points. (3,-2),(-1,-6) Any assistance would be greatly appreciated, I'm having a lot of trouble grasping this.      Log On


   

Question 219868: Find the slope of the line that goes through the given points.
(3,-2),(-1,-6)
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated, I'm having a lot of trouble grasping this.
Answer by scott8148(6628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
the slope is the ratio of the change in the y-value to the change in the x-value

you can start at either point, but you must measure the x and y changes in the SAME direction

the y-value changes from -2 to -6, so the change is -4

the x-value changes from 3 to -1, so the change is also -4

the slope (usually denoted as m) is the y-change divided by the x-change

m = (-1) / (-1) = 1