Chapter 13.2, Problem 2WE

a.

To determine

To find the slope of $x-\text{axis}$

Answer to Problem 2WE

The slope of $x-\text{axis}$ is $0$

Explanation of Solution

Given:

The given axis is $x-\text{axis}$ .

Calculation:

Slope of a line when two points $\left(x_1,y_1\right)$ and $\left(x_2,y_2\right)$ are given is

  $m=\frac{y_2-y_1}{x_2-x_1}$

Consider any two points $\left(-1,0\right)$ and $\left(2,0\right)$ on $x-\text{axis}$

Slope of $x-\text{axis}$ is

  $m=\frac{0-0}{\left(2\right)-\left(-1\right)}=0$

Therefore the slope of $x-\text{axis}$ is $0$ .

b.

To determine

To find the slope of $y-\text{axis}$

Answer to Problem 2WE

The slope of $y-\text{axis}$ is undefined.

Explanation of Solution

Given:

The given axis is $y-\text{axis}$

Calculation:

Slope of a line when two points $\left(x_1,y_1\right)$ and $\left(x_2,y_2\right)$ are given is

  $m=\frac{y_2-y_1}{x_2-x_1}$

Consider any two points $\left(0,1\right)$ and $\left(0,3\right)$ on $y-\text{axis}$

Slope of $x-\text{axis}$ is

  $m=\frac{3-1}{0-0}=\frac{2}{0}=\text{undefined}$

Therefore the slope of $y-\text{axis}$ is undefined.