Question

Calculate the exact slope m (rather than a decimal approximation) of the straight line through the given pair of points, if defined. Try to do the problem without writing anything down except the answer. (If an answer is undefined, enter UNDEFINED.)

(6, 7) and (7, 1)

Answer 1

m = -6

Explanation:

The slope of a line is calculated as the change in y divided by the change in x.

Teachers use the phrase "rise over run". In this case the rise is negative as the line moves from a higher y value to a lower y value as x increases.

(y-final - y-initial)/(x-final - x-initial)

You are given two points on the line and just plug them in.

(1-7)/(7-6) = -6/1 = -6