Question

a line intersects the points (8, 2) and (12, -10). what is the slope of this line in simplest form? m = ?

Explanation:

Step1: Recall slope formula

The slope \( m \) between two points \( (x_1, y_1) \) and \( (x_2, y_2) \) is \( m=\frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} \).

Step2: Identify coordinates

Let \( (x_1, y_1)=(8, 2) \) and \( (x_2, y_2)=(12, - 10) \).

Step3: Substitute into formula

Substitute values: \( m=\frac{-10 - 2}{12 - 8}=\frac{-12}{4} \).

Step4: Simplify the fraction

Simplify \( \frac{-12}{4}=-3 \).

Answer:

\( -3 \)