Question

enter the answer in the space provided. use numbers instead of words.
x | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8
y | 5 | 3 | 2 | -1
m = \boxed{}

Explanation:

Step1: Identify two points

We can take two points from the table, for example, \((x_1, y_1) = (2, 5)\) and \((x_2, y_2) = (4, 3)\).

Step2: Use slope formula

The slope \(m\) between two points \((x_1, y_1)\) and \((x_2, y_2)\) is given by \(m=\frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}\).
Substituting the values: \(m=\frac{3 - 5}{4 - 2}=\frac{-2}{2}=- 1\). We can check with another pair, say \((4,3)\) and \((5,2)\): \(m=\frac{2 - 3}{5 - 4}=\frac{-1}{1}=-1\), or \((5,2)\) and \((8,-1)\): \(m=\frac{-1 - 2}{8 - 5}=\frac{-3}{3}=-1\). So the slope is consistent.

Answer:

\(-1\)