Math Problem Statement

What is the slope of the line through [(-10,1)] and [(0,-4)]?

Solution

To find the slope mm of a line through two points, you can use the slope formula:

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

Given the points (10,1)(-10, 1) and (0,4)(0, -4), let's assign:

  • (x1,y1)=(10,1)(x_1, y_1) = (-10, 1)
  • (x2,y2)=(0,4)(x_2, y_2) = (0, -4)

Now substitute these values into the slope formula:

m=410(10)=410+10=510=12m = \frac{-4 - 1}{0 - (-10)} = \frac{-4 - 1}{0 + 10} = \frac{-5}{10} = -\frac{1}{2}

So, the slope of the line is:

m=12m = -\frac{1}{2}

Would you like more details or have any questions?


Here are some related questions you might explore:

  1. What is the equation of the line through these two points?
  2. How do you interpret a negative slope in a graph?
  3. What is the y-intercept of the line passing through these points?
  4. Can you find the slope if the two points were (10,1)(-10, 1) and (5,7)(5, 7)?
  5. How does the slope change if the two points were swapped?

Tip: When the slope is negative, the line slants downwards from left to right on a graph.

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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

Slope calculation between two points in a coordinate plane

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10