10) What is the slope of the line passing through the points \( (4,12) \) and \( (2 \) * 1 point , 8\( ) \) ? \( m=0.5 \) \( m=2 \) \( m=-0.5 \) \( m=-2 \) Submit

To find the slope \( m \) of the line passing through the points \( (4, 12) \) and \( (2, 8) \), you can use the formula: \[ m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} \] Plugging in the coordinates, we get: \[ m = \frac{8 - 12}{2 - 4} = \frac{-4}{-2} = 2 \] So, the slope of the line is \( m = 2 \). Understanding slopes can be tremendously useful in various fields. For example, in architecture, knowing the exact slope of a roof or ramp can be crucial to ensure proper drainage or accessibility. Similarly, in economics, analyzing graphs with slopes can help determine the relationship between variables, shedding light on trends and forecasts! One common mistake while calculating slope is confusing the order of coordinates. Remember, the formula requires you to subtract the corresponding y-values first, followed by the x-values. It’s easy to mix them up, especially under pressure. Always double-check the points you’re plugging into the formula to avoid any slips!