Question

multiple choice,
Find the slope of the line that passes through the points (1, 10), and (-1, 5)
1)2 1/2
2)-5/2
3)2/5
4)-2/5

Answer 1

Slope is the "rise over the run." The y co-ordinates in each point can be subtracted to find the rise. The x co-ordinates in each point can be subtracted to find the run. It doesn't matter which co-ordinate you subtract, but you must subtract the same way for both the x and the y co-ordinates.

rise = 10 - 5 = 5
run = 1 - (-1) = 2

So, the slope is 5/2 or 2 1/2 as a mixed number.

You could also find the same result:

rise = 5 - 10 = -5
run = (-1) -1 = -2

So, the slope is -5/-2 or 5/2 or 2 1/2.