Chapter 2: Problem 39
Find the slope of the line that passes through the given points, if possible. See Example 2. $$ (0.7,-0.6),(-0.9,0.2) $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The slope of the line is \(-0.5\).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Slope Formula
The slope of a line measures how steep the line is and can be calculated using the formula \( m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} \). Here, \((x_1, y_1)\) and \((x_2, y_2)\) are two distinct points on the line.
02
Identify Coordinates
Identify the coordinates of the given points. The first point has coordinates \((x_1, y_1) = (0.7, -0.6)\) and the second point has coordinates \((x_2, y_2) = (-0.9, 0.2)\).
03
Apply Slope Formula
Substitute the coordinates into the slope formula. Use \(x_1 = 0.7\), \(y_1 = -0.6\), \(x_2 = -0.9\), and \(y_2 = 0.2\). The calculation is: \[m = \frac{0.2 - (-0.6)}{-0.9 - 0.7} \]
04
Simplify Numerator
Simplify the numerator of the slope formula. Calculate \(0.2 - (-0.6)\), which becomes \(0.2 + 0.6 = 0.8\).
05
Simplify Denominator
Simplify the denominator. Calculate \(-0.9 - 0.7\), which equals \(-1.6\).
06
Compute the Slope
Substitute the simplified numerator and denominator into the formula: \[m = \frac{0.8}{-1.6} \]Simplify this fraction to get \(m = -0.5\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Slope Formula
When discussing the slope of a line, we are referring to its steepness, described by the symbol \( m \). The slope formula is integral in understanding how the line trends over a set of points. The basic formula for calculating the slope between two points \((x_1, y_1)\) and \((x_2, y_2)\) is:\[ m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} \]This formula essentially tells us the ratio of the vertical change (rise) to the horizontal change (run) between the two points. To use this formula effectively:
- Make sure to subtract the \(y\)-coordinates (outputs) to calculate the rise.
- Subtract the \(x\)-coordinates (inputs) to find the run.
- Maintain the order of points to avoid errors: \((x_1,y_1)\) first, then \((x_2,y_2)\).
Coordinate Geometry
Coordinate geometry, sometimes called analytic geometry, merges algebra and geometry through the use of a coordinate system. This system allows us to describe geometric shapes in a numerical way and calculate properties such as distances and slopes.In coordinate geometry:
- A set of axes is used to define the position of points: typically the x-axis (horizontal) and y-axis (vertical).
- Every point in the plane is denoted with a pair of numbers called coordinates \((x, y)\).
- The algebraic representation allows for the precise calculation of geometric concepts like distances between points, midpoints, and the slope of a line.
Linear Equations
Linear equations are fundamental in algebra and represent relationships in a straight line when graphed on a coordinate plane. These equations typically take the form:\[ y = mx + b \]In this equation:
- \(y\) and \(x\) represent the dependent and independent variables respectively.
- \(m\) is the slope of the line indicating its steepness.
- \(b\) is the y-intercept where the line crosses the y-axis.