SOLUTION: To determine the slope of the line parallel to the line {{{3x - 2y + 8 = 0}}}, do I assume that x=0 first then solve? Slope problems have me confused as to the steps and logic. th

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Question 54237This question is from textbook Algebra for College Students
: To determine the slope of the line parallel to the line 3x+-+2y+%2B+8+=+0, do I assume that x=0 first then solve? Slope problems have me confused as to the steps and logic.
thank you This question is from textbook Algebra for College Students

Answer by Edwin McCravy(20055) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
To determine the slope of the line parallel 
to the line 3x - 2y + 8 = 0, do I assume that 
x=0 first then solve? 

No! 

1. Solve for y
2. The slope is the coefficient of x
3. Any line parallel to line has that same
   slope, because parallel lines slant 
   the same way, and slope is a measure of \
   slant.

1.
    3x - 2y + 8 = 0
   -3x              -3x
  ----------------------
        -2y + 8 =   -3x
             -8         -8
       ----------------------
        -2y     =   -3x - 8

Divide every term thru by -2

        -2y     -3x      8
       ----- = ----- - ----
        -2      -2      -2 
            
           y = (3/2)x + 4

2. The slope is the coefficient of x which is 3/2. 

3. Any line parallel to line has that same slope, 3/2. 

Edwin