slopes word problem.

Question

Abigail and Spencer calculate the slope of the line between the points (3,-1) and (5,4) in different ways. Abigail calculates the slope by dividing -1 - 4 with 3 - 5. Spencer divides 4 - (-1) by 5 - 3. When they check their work with their mutual friend Lauren, she says that they are both wrong and shows them her work. She calculates -1 - 4 and divides by 5 - 3. Who is correct among these three friends?

Answer 1

Slope formula: m = (y₂ - y₁)/(x₂ - x₁)

Label the points given as (x₁, y₁) and (x₂, y₂). Note that order doesn't really matter, and you can label them the other way. So it is possible for two of the friends to be correct.