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Calculate the slope, if defined, of the straight line through the given pair of points. Try to do as many as you can without writing anything down except the answer. $$ \left(\frac{1}{2}, 1\right) \text { and }\left(-\frac{1}{2}, \frac{3}{4}\right) $$

Short Answer

Expert verified
The slope of the line passing through the points \(\left(\frac{1}{2}, 1\right)\) and \(\left(-\frac{1}{2}, \frac{3}{4}\right)\) is \(m = \frac{1}{3}\).

Step by step solution

01

Identify the coordinates

For the given points, we can identify the coordinates as follows: \(x_1 = \frac{1}{2}\), \(y_1 = 1\) \(x_2 = -\frac{1}{2}\), \(y_2 = \frac{3}{4}\) Now that we have the coordinates, we can use the formula for the slope.
02

Calculate the difference in y-coordinates

We calculate the difference in y-coordinates (\(y_2 - y_1\)): \(y_2 - y_1 = \frac{3}{4} - 1 = \frac{3}{4} - \frac{4}{4} = -\frac{1}{4}\)
03

Calculate the difference in x-coordinates

We calculate the difference in x-coordinates (\(x_2 - x_1\)): \(x_2 - x_1 = -\frac{1}{2} - \frac{1}{2} = -\frac{1}{2} - \frac{2}{4} = -\frac{3}{4}\)
04

Calculate the slope

Now we can calculate the slope using the differences calculated above: \(m = \frac{-\frac{1}{4}}{-\frac{3}{4}}\) We can simplify and calculate the quotient by multiplying the numerator and the denominator by the reciprocal \(4\): \(m = \frac{-\frac{1}{4}}{-\frac{3}{4}} \cdot \left(\frac{4}{4}\right) = \frac{1}{3}\) So, the slope of the line that passes through the given pair of points is \(\frac{1}{3}\).

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Understanding Coordinate Geometry
Coordinate geometry, also known as analytic geometry, is a branch of mathematics that allows us to represent geometric figures and solve geometric problems using a coordinate system. This system usually consists of two perpendicular lines, known as the x-axis and the y-axis, intersecting at a point called the origin. Each point on a plane can be represented as an ordered pair \((x, y)\), where \(x\) is the horizontal position and \(y\) is the vertical position.

In the context of this exercise, coordinate geometry is used to identify and work with specific points, \(\left(\frac{1}{2}, 1\right)\) and \(\left(-\frac{1}{2}, \frac{3}{4}\right)\). By knowing the coordinates of these points, we can utilize various formulas, such as the slope formula, to analyze properties of lines and figures.

  • The **x-coordinates** describe the horizontal location.
  • The **y-coordinates** describe the vertical location.
  • Understanding the concept of coordinates is essential for solving problems related to slopes, distances, and midpoints.

Understanding how each coordinate system works enables us to navigate through problems involving geometry with ease and accuracy.
The Role of Linear Equations
Linear equations are fundamental in mathematics as they describe relationships between variables that result in straight lines when graphed. A linear equation in two variables is typically written in the form \(y = mx + b\), where \(m\) is the slope of the line, and \(b\) is the y-intercept, or the point where the line crosses the y-axis.

The slope \(m\) indicates how steep the line is and whether it's rising or falling as it moves across the x-axis.
In our exercise, the slope tells us how much the \(y\) coordinate changes for a change in the \(x\) coordinate. Positive slopes go upwards, negative slopes go downwards, while a slope of zero indicates a flat line.

  • **Slope Calculation**: Given points \((x_1, y_1)\) and \((x_2, y_2)\), the slope is calculated using \(m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}\).
  • Understanding the slope helps in identifying whether lines are parallel, perpendicular, or intersecting.
  • Linear equations allow for solutions that can be plotted graphically or solved analytically.

Recognizing how linear equations operate is crucial for understanding patterns and relationships within coordinate geometry.
Importance of Mathematics Education
Mathematics education provides a foundation for understanding essential concepts such as slope calculation and coordinate geometry. These skills not only aid in academic success but also in solving real-world problems. Strengthening students’ grasp over these topics prepares them for various careers where mathematical analyses are fundamental.

Moreover, mathematics education encourages critical thinking and problem-solving through logical reasoning. This fosters an environment where students can learn to:
  • Analyze situations mathematically.
  • Boost their computational skills.
  • Develop a methodical approach to problem-solving.

By understanding mathematics deeply, students can apply these skills effectively across different subjects, helping them excel in STEM fields. As educators focus on mathematical foundations, students become well-equipped for future challenges in both higher education and professional fields.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

The production of ozone-layer damaging Freon 22 (chlorodifluoromethane) in developing countries rose from 200 tons in 2004 to a projected 590 tons in \(2010 .^{33}\) a. Use this information to find a linear model for the amount \(F\) of Freon 22 (in tons) as a function of time \(t\) in years since 2000 . b. Give the units of measurement and interpretation of the slope. c. Use the model from part (a) to estimate the 2008 figure and compare it with the actual projection of 400 tons.

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Compute the sum-of-squares error \((S S E)\) by hand for the given set of data and linear model. $$ (0,-1),(1,3),(4,6),(5,0) ; \quad y=-x+2 $$

Calculate the slope, if defined, of the straight line through the given pair of points. Try to do as many as you can without writing anything down except the answer. $$ (a, b) \text { and }(c, d)(a \neq c) $$

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