Question

Choose the correct slope of the line that passes through the points (−4, 8) and (−3, −6)

Answer 1

The slope of the line, or gradient, or \(m\), passing throught two points \((x_1,y_1) and (x_2,y_2)\)can be found with this formula:
\[m=\frac{y_2-y_1}{x_2-x_1}\]

Answer 2

Insert each point into y = mx + b as follows:

8 = 4m + b
-6 = -3m + b

Isolate b in each equation as follows:

b = 8 - 4m
b = 3m - 6

Set b = b and solve for m, the slope:

8 - 4m = 3m - 6
8 + 6 = 3m + 4m
14 = 7m
14/7 = m
2 = m

Therefore, the slope of the line is 2