Question

what is the slope of the line that passes through the points (-9, -5) and (-1, -9)? write your answer in simplest form.
answer attempt 1 out of 2
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Explanation:

Step1: Recall slope formula

The slope \( m \) between 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 coordinates

Let \( (x_1, y_1)=(-9, -5) \) and \( (x_2, y_2)=(-1, -9) \).

Step3: Substitute into formula

Substitute the values into the slope formula: \( m=\frac{-9 - (-5)}{-1 - (-9)} \).
Simplify numerator and denominator: \( -9 - (-5)=-9 + 5=-4 \), \( -1 - (-9)=-1 + 9 = 8 \).
So \( m=\frac{-4}{8} \).

Step4: Simplify the fraction

Simplify \( \frac{-4}{8} \) by dividing numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 4. \( \frac{-4\div4}{8\div4}=\frac{-1}{2} \).

Answer:

\( -\frac{1}{2} \)