Question 213249
How do I find the slope of the line containing the points?

  p1(0,2) and p2(4,-2)


However, here are the steps showing you how you can check your work with one of the points.


Step 1.  The slope of the line m is given as


{{{ m=(y2-y1)/(x2-x1)}}}


where for our example is x1=0, y1=2, x2=4 and y2=-2 (think of {{{slope=rise/run}}}).  You can 

choose the points the other way around but be consistent with the x and y coordinates.  You will 

get the same result.


Step 2.  Substituting the above values in the slope equation gives


{{{m=(-2-2)/(4-0)}}}


{{{m=-4/4}}}


{{{m=-1}}}


Step 3.  The slope is calculated as -1 or m=-1


Step 4.  Now use the slope equation of step 1 and choose one of the given points.  I'll choose point (0,2).   Letting y=y2 and x=x2 and substituting m=-1 in the slope equation given as,


{{{ m=(y2-y1)/(x2-x1)}}}



{{{ -1=(y-2))/(x-0)}}}


{{{ -1=(y-2)/(x-0)}}}


Step 5.  Multiply both sides of equation by x to get rid of denomination found on the right side of the equation


{{{ -1(x)=(x)(y-2)/(x)}}}



{{{ -1(x)=y-2}}}



Step 6.  Now simplify and put the above equation into slope-intercept form.


{{{y=-x+2}}}   ANSWER in slope-intercept form.  m=-1 and y-intercept=2


Step 7.  See if the other point (4,-2) or x=4 and y=-2 satisfies this equation


{{{y=-x+2}}}


{{{-2=-4+2=-2}}}  so it's ok...


In other words, you can use the other point to check your work.


Note;  above equation can be also be transform into standard form as


{{{x+y=2}}}


See graph below to check the above steps.


*[invoke describe_linear_equation 1, 1,  2]


I hope the above steps were helpful. 

 
And good luck in your studies!


For free Step-By-Step Videos on Introduction to Algebra, please visit 

http://www.FreedomUniversity.TV/courses/IntroAlgebra or for Trigonometry visit 

http://www.FreedomUniversity.TV/courses/Trigonometry.


Respectfully,
Dr J