Math Problem Statement

Find the slope and inclination of the line passing through the two given points.

a) A(3,-7), B(4, 8); b) A(9,0), B(3, 18)

Solution

a) Points: A(3,7)A(3, -7) and B(4,8)B(4, 8)

1. Slope (m):

The formula for the slope between two points (x1,y1)(x_1, y_1) and (x2,y2)(x_2, y_2) is:

m=y2y1x2x1m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}

For A(3,7)A(3, -7) and B(4,8)B(4, 8):

m=8(7)43=8+71=151=15m = \frac{8 - (-7)}{4 - 3} = \frac{8 + 7}{1} = \frac{15}{1} = 15

2. Inclination (θ):

The inclination of a line is the angle θθ it makes with the positive direction of the x-axis. It can be found using:

θ=tan1(m)\theta = \tan^{-1}(m)

θ=tan1(15)\theta = \tan^{-1}(15)

Using a calculator, the inclination is approximately:

θ86.2\theta \approx 86.2^\circ


b) Points: A(9,0)A(9, 0) and B(3,18)B(3, 18)

1. Slope (m):

Using the same formula for slope:

m=18039=186=3m = \frac{18 - 0}{3 - 9} = \frac{18}{-6} = -3

2. Inclination (θ):

Now, find the inclination:

θ=tan1(3)\theta = \tan^{-1}(-3)

Using a calculator:

θ71.57\theta \approx -71.57^\circ

However, inclination is usually given as a positive angle, so:

θ=180+(71.57)=108.43\theta = 180^\circ + (-71.57^\circ) = 108.43^\circ


Final Answer:

  • a) Slope = 15, Inclination θ86.2\theta \approx 86.2^\circ
  • b) Slope = -3, Inclination θ108.43\theta \approx 108.43^\circ

Do you need more details or have any questions?


Relative Questions:

  1. How is the slope affected by vertical or horizontal lines?
  2. What is the slope of a line that passes through two points with the same x-coordinate?
  3. How do you calculate the slope and inclination of parallel lines?
  4. How does the inclination change if the slope is negative?
  5. What would the inclination be for a line with a slope of 0?

Tip: The inclination is always measured counterclockwise from the positive x-axis.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Coordinate Geometry
Slopes of Lines
Inclination of Lines

Formulas

Slope formula: m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)
Inclination formula: θ = tan^(-1)(m)

Theorems

Trigonometric relationship of angles and slopes

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10