Chapter 3: Problem 85
In the following exercises, use the slope formula to find the slope of the line between each pair of points. $$ (2,5),(4,0) $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The slope is \(m = -\frac{5}{2}\).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Slope Formula
The slope (m) between two points \(x_1, y_1\) and \(x_2, y_2\) is given by the formula \[ m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} \].
02
Identify the Points
For the points (2, 5) and (4, 0), assign \(x_1 = 2\), \(y_1 = 5\), \(x_2 = 4\), and \(y_2 = 0\).
03
Plug in the Values
Substitute the values into the formula: \[ m = \frac{0 - 5}{4 - 2} \].
04
Simplify the Expression
Execute the subtraction in the numerator and the denominator: \[ m = \frac{-5}{2} \].
05
Interpret the Slope
The slope of the line that goes through points (2, 5) and (4, 0) is \(m = -\frac{5}{2}\). This means that for every 2 units you move to the right on the x-axis, the value of y decreases by 5 units.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Coordinate Geometry
Coordinate geometry, also known as analytic geometry, is a method used to study geometry using a coordinate system. Here, we connect algebra to geometry through graphs and equations. By plotting points on the xy-plane and understanding their relationships, it becomes easier to analyze the properties and behavior of geometric shapes. It's a powerful tool because:
- It helps us visualize algebraic equations by graphing them.
- We can determine distances and midpoints between points.
- It allows us to find slopes and equations of lines.
Finding Slope
Finding the slope of a line is a fundamental skill in algebra and coordinate geometry. The slope tells us how steep a line is and the direction it goes.
The slope is calculated by the formula: \(m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} \). This formula shows the change in y-coordinates divided by the change in x-coordinates between two points.
The slope is calculated by the formula: \(m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} \). This formula shows the change in y-coordinates divided by the change in x-coordinates between two points.
- If the slope is positive, the line goes upwards as you move from left to right.
- If the slope is negative, the line goes downwards.
- A zero slope means the line is horizontal.
- An undefined slope means the line is vertical.
Linear Equations
In algebra, a linear equation is any equation that can be written in the form \( y = mx + b \) where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept. This form is very useful because:
\[ y - 5 = -\frac{5}{2}(x - 2) \]. When simplified, this equation describes the line passing through (2, 5) and (4, 0).
- It lets you easily graph linear equations.
- Knowing m and b, you can quickly sketch the line.
- It's straightforward to understand the relationship between x and y.
\[ y - 5 = -\frac{5}{2}(x - 2) \]. When simplified, this equation describes the line passing through (2, 5) and (4, 0).
Algebra II
Algebra II takes the concepts from Algebra I and expands them to more complex scenarios. It covers a wide array of topics including:
- Quadratic equations
- Polynomials
- Radicals
- Exponential and logarithmic functions