SOLUTION: Find the slope of the line containing the points (2,7) and (-1,-8). I am completely new to this, my 1st time learning this, and I am VERY lost! So I tried to solve for M and cam

Algebra ->  Linear-equations -> SOLUTION: Find the slope of the line containing the points (2,7) and (-1,-8). I am completely new to this, my 1st time learning this, and I am VERY lost! So I tried to solve for M and cam      Log On


   

Question 1016813: Find the slope of the line containing the points (2,7) and (-1,-8).
I am completely new to this, my 1st time learning this, and I am VERY lost! So I tried to solve for M and came up with 1/1 so far for the fraction that came out of equation. Thank you for your help!
Found 2 solutions by ankor@dixie-net.com, Edwin McCravy:
Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Find the slope of the line containing the points (2,7) and (-1,-8).
:
the slope formula: m = %28%28y2-y1%29%29%2F%28%28x2-x1%29%29
Assign the given points as follows
x1=2; y1=7
x2=-1; y2=-8
So you have
m = %28%28-8-7%29%29%2F%28%28-1-2%29%29 = %28-15%29%2F%28-3%29 = +5 is the slope

Answer by Edwin McCravy(20065) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
I think you are having trouble with signs. You must be
very careful with signs:
(2,7) and (-1,-8)
x1 = 2
y1 = 7
x2 = -1
y2 = -8
m%22%22=%22%22%28y%5B2%5D-y%5B1%5D%29%2F%28x%5B2%5D-x%5B1%5D%29
Substitute carefully using parentheses
m%22%22=%22%22%28%28-8%29-%287%29%29%2F%28%28-1%29-%282%29%29
m%22%22=%22%22%28-8-7%29%2F%28-1-2%29
m%22%22=%22%22%28-15%29%2F%28-3%29
m%22%22=%22%225

Edwin