A line is determined by the pair of points, $( 3,9 )$ and $( 8,2 )$ . The slope of the line is
A) positive
B) undefined
C) zero
D) negative

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To find the slope of the line passing through the points $(3,9)$ and $(8,2)$, we use the formula $$m = \dfrac{\text{change in } y}{\text{change in } x} = \dfrac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} = \dfrac{2-9}{8-3} = -\dfrac{7}{5}$$ Since the slope is negative, the line is decreasing as we move from left to right, and therefore has a negative slope.

A Line Is Determined by the Pair of Points (3,9)( 3,9 )(3,9)

A Line Is Determined by the Pair of Points $( 3,9 )$