Math Problem Statement

Describe and find the slope of the line passing through the points (-3, 1) and (2, -2).

Solution

Let's break down the problem based on the graph shown. The task asks to "describe and find the slope of the line" passing through the points (3,1)(-3, 1) and (2,2)(2, -2).

To find the slope:

  1. The slope mm of a line is given by the formula: m=y2y1x2x1m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} Where:

    • (x1,y1)(x_1, y_1) and (x2,y2)(x_2, y_2) are two points on the line.
  2. Using the points (3,1)(-3, 1) and (2,2)(2, -2):

    • (x1,y1)=(3,1)(x_1, y_1) = (-3, 1)
    • (x2,y2)=(2,2)(x_2, y_2) = (2, -2)
  3. Substitute these values into the slope formula: m=212(3)=35m = \frac{-2 - 1}{2 - (-3)} = \frac{-3}{5} Therefore, the slope of the line is 35-\frac{3}{5}.

Description:

This line has a negative slope, indicating it is slanting downward from left to right. The slope, 35-\frac{3}{5}, means that for every 5 units the line moves horizontally to the right, it moves 3 units downward.

Slope: 35-\frac{3}{5}

Would you like more details or have any further questions?


Here are some related questions you could explore:

  1. How do we interpret a negative slope geometrically?
  2. What is the meaning of a slope of 0 in a line?
  3. Can the slope of a vertical line be calculated? If yes, what is it?
  4. How does the slope relate to the angle of inclination of a line?
  5. How would the slope change if we switched the points (2,2)(2, -2) and (3,1)(-3, 1)?

Tip: The slope is a measure of how steep a line is. The larger the absolute value of the slope, the steeper the line.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Coordinate Geometry
Slope of a Line

Formulas

Slope formula: m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)

Theorems

Definition of slope in coordinate geometry

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10