Chapter 4: Problem 251
Use the slope formula to find the slope of the line between each pair of points. (1,4),(3,9)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The slope is \(\frac{5}{2}\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the given points
The given points are (1,4) and (3,9). Label them as \(x_1, y_1\) = (1,4) and \(x_2, y_2\) = (3,9).
02
Write the slope formula
The formula to find the slope \(m\) between 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 points into the formula
Replace \(x_1, y_1\) with (1,4) and \(x_2, y_2\) with (3,9): \[ m = \frac{9 - 4}{3 - 1} \]
04
Simplify the expression
Subtract the coordinates to find the slope: \[ m = \frac{5}{2} \]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Finding Slope
The slope of a line is a measure of its steepness and direction. It shows how much the y-coordinate of a point on the line changes as the x-coordinate changes. When asked to 'find the slope' between two points, you'll use the slope formula. Make sure to clearly label your points from the problem statement.
Here's a step-by-step approach to remember:
Here's a step-by-step approach to remember:
- Identify and label your given points: For example, if your points are (1,4) and (3,9), label them as \(x_1, y_1\) = (1,4) and \(x_2, y_2\) = (3,9).
- Write out the slope formula: \[ m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} \]
- Substitute the points into the formula: Replace \(x_1, y_1\) and \(x_2, y_2\) with the points you've labeled.
- Simplify: Perform the arithmetic to find your slope. For example: \[ m = \frac{9 - 4}{3 - 1} = \frac{5}{2} \]
Coordinate Geometry
Coordinate geometry, or analytic geometry, is a branch of mathematics that uses the coordinate plane to study the properties and relationships of geometric figures. Here are some core ideas:
In coordinate geometry, points are represented by their coordinates (x, y) on a plane with an x-axis (horizontal) and a y-axis (vertical). When finding the slope between two points, you use their coordinates.
Let's break it down further:
In coordinate geometry, points are represented by their coordinates (x, y) on a plane with an x-axis (horizontal) and a y-axis (vertical). When finding the slope between two points, you use their coordinates.
Let's break it down further:
- The coordinate plane is a grid divided by two perpendicular lines: the x-axis and the y-axis.
- Each point on this plane is identified by an ordered pair \(x, y\); the first number is its x-coordinate and the second is its y-coordinate.
- Using coordinates allows you to apply algebraic methods to geometric problems, like finding the slope of a line, calculating distances, and more.
Linear Equations
Linear equations describe a straight-line relationship between two variables, typically represented as y and x. In essence, these equations can help you represent and analyze relationships between these variables.
Here's what you need to know about linear equations:
Linear equations are often written in the form y = mx + b, where:
Knowing the slope and one point allows you to write the equation of the line. You can also determine the slope by rearranging a given linear equation into the slope-intercept form (y = mx + b). Linear equations provide a straightforward way to model real-life situations and analyze changes in one variable concerning another.
Here's what you need to know about linear equations:
Linear equations are often written in the form y = mx + b, where:
- y is the y-coordinate
- x is the x-coordinate
- m is the slope of the line
- b is the y-intercept, which is the y-coordinate of the point where the line crosses the y-axis
Knowing the slope and one point allows you to write the equation of the line. You can also determine the slope by rearranging a given linear equation into the slope-intercept form (y = mx + b). Linear equations provide a straightforward way to model real-life situations and analyze changes in one variable concerning another.