8. Determine the slope of the linear pattern.

To determine the slope of a linear pattern, you need at least two points on the line. The formula for calculating the slope (m) is: m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1), where (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) are the coordinates of the two points. If your points are (2, 3) and (5, 7), you'd subtract the y-values (7 - 3) and the x-values (5 - 2) to find the slope: m = 4 / 3. Voilà! You've found the slope! It’s a common mistake to confuse slope with other concepts like y-intercept or simply miscalculate using the wrong points. Always remember to double-check your coordinates and pay attention to the order in which you subtract! If you're using a graph, it's helpful to identify the rise (change in y) and run (change in x) visually for an intuitive grasp of slope.