What is the slope of the line passing through points (0,-5) and (4,2)

Question

I know the entire y2-y1 over x2-x1, am just confused. Im guessing its 2/5 but i really need to pass this test. 

Answer 1

Mack, the numerator is one y minus the other and the denominator is the matching x minus the other.  You just need to be sure x₂ and y₂ are from the same point, and the same with x₁ and y₁.

 

So, if we pick the first point to be (x₁, y₁), then we have (2-(-5))/(4-0) = 7/4.

 

If we reverse them, then we get (-5-2)/(0-4) = 7/4.

 

It doesn't matter which point is which, as long as you don't mix them up.

Answer 2

yes, use (y_{2 -} y₁)/(x₂ - x₁) to figure out slope.

so,

 

(2 - (-5))/ (4 - 0) = 7/4

 

we notice that one of the points given (0,-5) is the y-intercept already so we use y = mx + b

 

so,

 

y = (7/4)x - 5