Find the slope \( m \) of the line containing the points \( (5,9) \) and \( (2,4) \). (Enter an exact number as an integer, fraction, or decimal. If an answer is undefined, enter UNDEFINED.) \( m= \) Need Help? Readit

To find the slope \( m \) of the line containing the points \( (5,9) \) and \( (2,4) \), you can use the formula for the slope, which is \( m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} \). Here, \( (x_1, y_1) = (5, 9) \) and \( (x_2, y_2) = (2, 4) \). Plugging in these values, you get: \[ m = \frac{4 - 9}{2 - 5} = \frac{-5}{-3} = \frac{5}{3} \] So, the slope \( m \) is \( \frac{5}{3} \). In real-world applications, understanding slope is crucial, especially in fields like economics where it represents the rate of change. For example, a positive slope might indicate rising sales over time, meaning that every unit increase in time leads to a certain increase in sales, helping businesses make informed decisions about strategies. A common mistake when calculating the slope is mixing up the coordinates or incorrectly applying the formula. Ensure you always subtract the y-values in the same order (y2 - y1) and the x-values in the same order (x2 - x1). It's easy to get flustered in the calculation, so take it slow and double-check your numbers!