Finite Math Examples Linear Functions and Points

Find the Slope

$(- 2, - 4)$ , $(- 8, - 5)$

Step 1

Slope is equal to the change in $y$ over the change in $x$ , or rise over run.

$m = \frac{change in y}{change in x}$

Step 2

The change in $x$ is equal to the difference in x-coordinates (also called run), and the change in $y$ is equal to the difference in y-coordinates (also called rise).

$m = \frac{y_{2} - y_{1}}{x_{2} - x_{1}}$

Step 3

Substitute in the values of $x$ and $y$ into the equation to find the slope.

$m = \frac{- 5 - (- 4)}{- 8 - (- 2)}$

Step 4

Simplify.

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Step 4.1

Simplify the numerator.

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Step 4.1.1

Multiply $- 1$ by $- 4$ .

$m = \frac{- 5 + 4}{- 8 - (- 2)}$

Step 4.1.2

Add $- 5$ and $4$ .

$m = \frac{- 1}{- 8 - (- 2)}$

Step 4.2

Simplify the denominator.

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Step 4.2.1

Multiply $- 1$ by $- 2$ .

$m = \frac{- 1}{- 8 + 2}$

Step 4.2.2

Add $- 8$ and $2$ .

$m = \frac{- 1}{- 6}$

Step 4.3

Dividing two negative values results in a positive value.

$m = \frac{1}{6}$

Step 5

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Find the Slope

Linear Functions and Points

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