What is the slope of the line passing through the following points: (5,-8) ,(-7, -4)?

1 Answer
Dec 31, 2015

The slope, m, is -1/3.

Explanation:

The equation to find slope from two points on a line is m=(y_2-y_1)/(x_2-x_1), where (x_1,y_1) is one point and (x_2,y_2) is the other point.

Let (5,-8) be Point 1.
Let (-7,-4) be Point 2.

Substitute the given values into the equation.

m=(y_2-y_1)/(x_2-x_1)

m=(-4-(-8))/(-7-5)

Simplify.

m=(-4+8)/(-12)

Simplify.

m=4/(-12)

Simplify.

m=-4/12

Simplify.

m=-1/3