SOLUTION: What is the slope of the line passing through the points (–1, 3) and (4, –7)?

Algebra ->  Coordinate-system -> SOLUTION: What is the slope of the line passing through the points (–1, 3) and (4, –7)?       Log On


   

Question 1091056: What is the slope of the line passing through the points (–1, 3) and (4, –7)?

Answer by ikleyn(52795) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.
The slope of the line is the ratio of y-increment to x-increment:


                    slope = delta_y%2Fdelta_x.


delta_y = -7 - 3 = - 10.

delta_x = 4 - (-1) = 4 + 1 = 5.

slope = %28-10%29%2F5 = -2.


Answer.  The slope = -2.

Solved.


The lesson to learn from this solution:  The slope of the line is the ratio of y-increment to x-increment.