Chapter 3: Problem 51
Use the slope formula to find the slope of the line that passes through the points. \((-6,3) ;(-9,-2)\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
\( \frac{5}{3} \)
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Points
First, identify the coordinates of the two points given: Point 1: \((-6,3)\) Point 2: \((-9,-2)\).
02
Recall the Slope Formula
The slope formula to find the slope of a line passing through two points \((x_1, y_1)\) and \((x_2, y_2)\) is: \[ m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} \]
03
Substitute the Coordinates into the Slope Formula
Now substitute the coordinates of the points \((-6,3)\) and \((-9,-2)\) into the slope formula: \[ m = \frac{-2 - 3}{-9 - (-6)} \]
04
Simplify the Numerator
Calculate the difference in the y-coordinates:\[ y_2 - y_1 = -2 - 3 = -5 \]
05
Simplify the Denominator
Calculate the difference in the x-coordinates:\[ x_2 - x_1 = -9 - (-6) = -9 + 6 = -3 \]
06
Calculate the Slope
Now that the numerator and denominator are simplified, divide them to find the slope:\[ m = \frac{-5}{-3} = \frac{5}{3} \]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Slope Formula
Understanding how to find the slope of a line is a vital skill in algebra. The slope formula is key here. It shows the rate of change between two points on a line. The formula is: \[ m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} \] In this formula, \(m\) represents the slope, and \( (x_1, y_1) \) and \( (x_2, y_2) \) are the coordinates of the two points. Think of this formula as a way to measure how steep or flat a line is. This formula is reliable and used frequently in algebra.
Coordinate Points
Coordinate points are a foundational concept in geometry and algebra. These are specific locations on a graph determined by an \(x\)-coordinate and a \(y\)-coordinate. They are written as \( (x, y) \). In our example, the points given are:
- Point 1: \( (-6, 3) \)
- Point 2: \( (-9, -2) \)
Algebraic Calculation
Algebraic calculation is the process of using mathematical operations to solve equations. Here's how you apply these skills to find the slope:1. **Subtract the y-coordinates** (top part of the fraction): \( y_2 - y_1 = -2 - 3 = -5 \)
2. **Subtract the x-coordinates** (bottom part of the fraction): \( x_2 - x_1 = -9 - (-6) = -9 + 6 = -3 \)
3. **Divide** the two results to get the slope: \( \frac{-5}{-3} = \frac{5}{3} \)
You're transforming the coordinate points through subtraction and division. This is typical in algebraic work, turning raw data into useful information.
2. **Subtract the x-coordinates** (bottom part of the fraction): \( x_2 - x_1 = -9 - (-6) = -9 + 6 = -3 \)
3. **Divide** the two results to get the slope: \( \frac{-5}{-3} = \frac{5}{3} \)
You're transforming the coordinate points through subtraction and division. This is typical in algebraic work, turning raw data into useful information.
Linear Equations
Linear equations represent lines on a graph and have a common formula: \( y = mx + b \).
Understanding how to calculate the slope using the slope formula enhances your ability to manipulate and understand these equations. Each part of the equation \( y = mx + b\) plays a role in shaping and locating the line in a coordinate plane.
- \(y\) is the y-coordinate
- \(x\) is the x-coordinate
- \(\bm{m}\) is the slope of the line
- \(b\) is the y-intercept (where the line crosses the y-axis)
Understanding how to calculate the slope using the slope formula enhances your ability to manipulate and understand these equations. Each part of the equation \( y = mx + b\) plays a role in shaping and locating the line in a coordinate plane.