Linear functions and slope

Question

Find the slope of the line passing through the pair of points or state that the slope is undefined. Then indicate whether the line through the points rises, falls, is horizontal, or is vertical.

(-13,1) and (-7,-6)

Answer 1

To find the slope (m), use the slope formula:

You can use x₁ = -13 and y₁ = 1 and then x₂ = -7 and y₂ = -6:

m = (-6 - 1)/(-7 - -13) = (-7)/(6) = -7/6

Slopes that are zero are horizontal. Slopes that are undefined are vertical. Slopes that are positive are rising. Slopes that are negative are falling.

This slope is negative, therefore it is falling.