Question

what is the slope of a line that passes through (3,-7) and (-1,1)?

Answer 1

Slope = (y2 - y1)/(x2 - x1)

= (1 + 7)/(-1 - 3)

= 8/-4

= -2

Answer

slope = -2

Answer 2

$\text{The slope formula:}\ m=\dfrac{y_2-y_1}{x_2-x_1}\\\\\text{We have:}\\(3;-7)\to x_1=3;\ y_1=-7\\(-1;\ 1)\to x_2=-1;\ y_2=1\\\\\text{substitute:}\\\\m=\dfrac{1-(-7)}{-1-3}=\dfrac{1+7}{-4}=\dfrac{8}{-4}=-2$

Answer: m = -2