Question

which is the slope of the line that passes through the points (2, 8) and (4, 6)?
slope = \frac{7}{3}
slope = -1
slope = 1
slope = \frac{1}{3}

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the slope formula

The slope \( m \) of a line passing through two points \((x_1, y_1)\) and \((x_2, y_2)\) is given by \( m=\frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} \).

Step2: Identify the coordinates

Let \((x_1, y_1)=(2, 8)\) and \((x_2, y_2)=(4, 6)\).

Step3: Substitute into the formula

Substitute the values into the slope formula: \( m=\frac{6 - 8}{4 - 2} \).

Step4: Simplify the expression

First, calculate the numerator and the denominator: \( 6 - 8=-2 \) and \( 4 - 2 = 2 \). Then, \( m=\frac{-2}{2}=-1 \).

Answer:

slope \( = - 1 \) (the option with "slope \( = - 1 \)")