Question

MULTIPLE CHOICE The slope of the line passing through the points \((8,0)\) and \((0,8)\) is \(\underline{?}\) \(\begin{array}{llll}\text { (A) positive } & \text { (B) negative } & \text { (C) zero }\end{array}\) (D) undefined

Short answer

The slope of the line passing through the points (8,0) and (0,8) is negative, or -1.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Points

First, identify the points through which the line passes. The points given are (8,0) and (0,8). Call (8,0) as point 1 (X1,Y1) and (0,8) as point 2 (X2,Y2).

Use the Slope Formula

Insert the values from Step 1 into the slope formula: \( m = (Y2 - Y1) / (X2 - X1) \), substituting the coordinates gives: \( m = (8-0) / (0-8) \)

Simplify the Result

By simplifying, you obtain: \( m = -8/8 = -1 \). The slope is a negative number, that is -1.