16Hit1600
AlgebraMediumSlope between two points

Algebra practice question

In the xy-plane, a line passes through (−1, 5) and (3, −1). What is the slope of the line?

Answer: -3/2 or −3/2 or -1.5 or −1.5

Slope = (−1 − 5)/(3 − (−1)) = −6/4 = −3/2.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 3/2
3/2 has the wrong sign: y falls as x rises.
If you answered -2/3
−2/3 is the reciprocal, dividing the x-change by the y-change.
If you answered -3
−3 comes from a run of 2 instead of 4 (3 − (−1) = 4).

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