Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
Use the slope formula to solve this problem. Slope, usually called m, is the change in y-values over the change in x-values.
m = (y2 - y1)/(x2 -x1)
It actually doesn't matter which point is the first point and which point is the second point. But you must be consistent.
So fill in -3/2 for the m
Let your (6, b) be your (x1, y1)
Let (-2, 4) be your (x2, y2)
So, the numbers fill into the formula like so:
-3/2 = (4 - b)/ (-2 - 6)
-3/2 = (4 - b)/(-8)
Multiply -8 on both sides of the equation.
(-8)(-3/2) = 4 - b
12 = 4 - b
Subtract 4 from both sides.
Don't lose the negative in front of the b
8 = -b
Multiply or divide by -1 on both sides.
-8 = b This is the answer.
**note: Its kinda crummy to use b in this equation, because b has a special meaning when you are working with linear equations. They should have given you a different variable. b usually stands for the y-intercept but in this problem it doesn't, it's just a variable representing an unknown value.
