Question

question 1 of 10

it doesnt matter which of the two points on a line you choose to call \\((x_1, y_1)\\) and which you choose to call \\((x_2, y_2)\\) to calculate the slope of the line.

a. true
b. false

Explanation:

Define the slope formula for both choices of points

$$ m_1 = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} $$

$$ m_2 = \frac{y_1 - y_2}{x_1 - x_2} $$

Show algebraic equivalence of both expressions

$$ m_2 = \frac{-(y_2 - y_1)}{-(x_2 - x_1)} = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} = m_1 $$

Answer:

• A. True (Correct answer)
• B. False