What is the slope of the line that contains the points [tex]$(-1, 8)$[/tex] and [tex]$(5, -4)$[/tex]?

A. -2
B. [tex]$-\frac{1}{2}$[/tex]
C. [tex]$\frac{1}{2}$[/tex]
D. 2



Answer :

To find the slope of the line that contains the points [tex]\((-1, 8)\)[/tex] and [tex]\( (5, -4) \)[/tex], we use the slope formula.

The slope [tex]\(m\)[/tex] between two points [tex]\((x_1, y_1)\)[/tex] and [tex]\((x_2, y_2)\)[/tex] is given by the formula:
[tex]\[ m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} \][/tex]

Given points are:
[tex]\[ (x_1, y_1) = (-1, 8) \][/tex]
[tex]\[ (x_2, y_2) = (5, -4) \][/tex]

Now, substitute these values into the formula:
[tex]\[ m = \frac{-4 - 8}{5 - (-1)} \][/tex]

First, simplify the numerator:
[tex]\[ -4 - 8 = -12 \][/tex]

Then, simplify the denominator:
[tex]\[ 5 - (-1) = 5 + 1 = 6 \][/tex]

So, the slope [tex]\(m\)[/tex] becomes:
[tex]\[ m = \frac{-12}{6} = -2 \][/tex]

The answer is [tex]\( \boxed{-2} \)[/tex], which corresponds to option A.

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