Question

what is the slope of a line that is parallel to $y = -\frac{1}{3}x - 15$?
options: $-\frac{1}{3}$, $\frac{1}{3}$, $-3$, $3$

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the slope - intercept form

The equation of a line in slope - intercept form is \(y = mx + b\), where \(m\) is the slope and \(b\) is the y - intercept. For the line \(y=-\frac{1}{3}x - 15\), the slope \(m_1=-\frac{1}{3}\).

Step2: Use the property of parallel lines

Parallel lines have the same slope. Let the slope of the parallel line be \(m_2\). Since \(m_1 = m_2\) (for parallel lines), and \(m_1=-\frac{1}{3}\), then \(m_2 =-\frac{1}{3}\).

Answer:

\(-\frac{1}{3}\)