How to find the slope on an table

Question

this is the table

X Y

-3 5

-2 2

-1 -1

0 -4

1 -7

Answer 1

Slope is a ratio, Slope = rise/run. This can also be described as "the change in Y" / "The change in X"

So, using the table, find the rate of change in the y-values and the x-values. This rate of change for each variable will be constant (the same number). Then, make a ratio of those values.

X Y

-3 -3 + 1 = -2 (1) 5 (-3) 5 -3 =2

-2 -2 + 1 = -1 (1) 2 (-3) 2 -3 = -1

-1 -1 + 1 = 0 (1) -1 (-3) -1 -3 = -4

0 0 + 1 = 1 (1) -4 (-3) -4 - 3 = -7

1 -7

Slope: m = -3/1

Simplify: m = -3