What is the correct set up to finding the slope of a line that passes through the points (6, −3) and (−2, 7)
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Responses
7−(−3)−2−6
the fraction with numerator 7 minus negative 3 and denominator negative 2 minus 6
7−3−2−6
the fraction with numerator 7 minus 3 and denominator negative 2 minus 6
6−2−3+7
the fraction with numerator 6 minus 2 and denominator negative 3 plus 7
6−(−3)−2−7
To find the slope of a line that passes through two points, you use the formula for the slope (m) which is the change in y over the change in x. The formula for slope is written as:
m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)
Here, (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) are the coordinates of the two points. Plug in the coordinates of the points you have to calculate the slope:
For your points (6, −3) and (−2, 7), let (x1, y1) = (6, -3) and (x2, y2) = (-2, 7). So:
m = (7 - (-3)) / (-2 - 6)
The correct setup to find the slope is therefore:
7 - (-3) / -2 - 6
Which simplifies to:
10 / -8
This simplifies further to -5 / 4. So, the slope of the line that passes through the points (6, −3) and (−2, 7) is -5/4.