Find the slope of the line containing each given pair of points. If the slope is undefined, state this.
(−5, −1) and (2, −3)

Question

Find the slope of the line containing each given pair of points. If the slope is undefined, state this.
(−5, −1) and (2, −3)

anonymous · Answer

Slope = (Difference in y)/(Difference in x)

or,

$$Slope = (y_2 - y_1)/(x_2 - x_1)$$

Can you solve it further or not??

anonymous · Answer

so (-5-2)/(-1-(-3)) ?

terenzreignz · Answer

The numerator should have the difference of the y-values, not the difference of the x-values...
Check it again :)

anonymous · Answer

So how do I write it out I am confused

terenzreignz · Answer

Well your y-values are -1 and -3, and yet you put their difference in the denominator, how can you fix that? :)

anonymous · Answer

-1--3?

anonymous · Answer

You have given the points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2)..

So, there y1 = -1  and y2 = -3

Can you find y2 - y1 = ????

terenzreignz · Answer

It's 
-3 -(-1)
Can you do it from here? :)

anonymous · Answer

-2

anonymous · Answer

y2 - y1 = -3 -(-1) = -3 + 1 = -2

Similarly find x2 - x1 = ????

anonymous · Answer

Yes you did it right y2 - y1 will be (-2)...

anonymous · Answer

-5- -1 or -5-1?

terenzreignz · Answer

yes of course
now
BE CAREFUL
you selected -3 for your y2, so you HAVE TO select
2 as your x2... therefore

x2 = 2
x1 = -5
so your
x2 - x1 is... ? :)

anonymous · Answer

2-5= -3

anonymous · Answer

No, 2 - (-5) = ???
This will be the x2 - x1 i think...

anonymous · Answer

7

terenzreignz · Answer

You got it... so your slope is...?

anonymous · Answer

-2/7

anonymous · Answer

Yes you are correct dear...

anonymous · Answer

Thanks, so it is not an accurate slope?

terenzreignz · Answer

Ehh, we'll leave you to define what you mean by accurate slope :)
It's the slope, there's really nothing more to it 
Although if you mean it isn't an integer value, then yes, it isn't "accurate" lol :D

anonymous · Answer

Okay thanks :)