Chapter 13.2, Problem 7WE

To determine

To find the slope of the line through the points $\left(7,2\right);\left(2,7\right)$.

Answer to Problem 7WE

The slope of the line is $-1$ .

Explanation of Solution

Given information: The points are $\left(7,2\right);\left(2,7\right)$ .

Concept used: The slope, denoted by m, of the nonvertical line through the points $\left(x_1,y_1\right)$ and $\left(x_2,y_2\right)$ is defined as follows:

  $slope\left(m\right)=\frac{y_2-y_1}{x_2-x_1}$ .

Calculation: The slope of the line through the points is obtained as,

  $\left(7,2\right);\left(2,7\right)$

here,

  $\begin{array}{l}{x}_1=7\\ y_1=2\\ x_2=2\\ y_2=7\end{array}$

Therefore, $slope\left(m\right)=\frac{y_2-y_1}{x_2-x_1}=\frac{7-2}{2-7}=\frac{5}{-5}=-1$

Hence, the slope of the line is $-1$ .