(0,-5). (4,2)

Question

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

Answer 1

Remember, David, that the slope is the difference in y's over the difference in x's, or (y₂ - y₁)/(y₂ - y₁).

 

How do we know which is (x₂, y₂) and which is (x₁, y₁)?  It doesn't matter, as long as you go in the SAME direction.

 

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

 

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

 

See how they are both the same?  The slope is 7/4.

 

Hope this helps!