Line k lies in the xy-plane

Line k lies in the xy-plane. The x-intercept of line k is ?4, and line k passes through the midpoint of the line segment whose endpoints are and (2, 9) and (2, 0). What is the slope of line k? Give your answer as a fraction.

3 Explanations

▲

Spartacus Crawford

Why do you double the 4.5/6 ?

Feb 14, 2017 • Comment

Cydney Seigerman, Magoosh Tutor

Hi Katie!

Excellent question! In this problem, we're asked for the slope of line k as a fraction. While our initial answer of 4.5/6 is a fraction, there is a decimal in the numerator. Based on general math conventions, though, we want to avoid decimals in fractions. We can easily get rid of the decimal in the numerator by multiplying the fraction by 2/2. When we do so, we get 9/12. We haven't changed the overall value of the fraction, since 2/2 = 1. However, in this new form, we do have a fraction with integers in both the numerator and denominator! From here, we could reduce this fraction to 9/12 = 3/4. However, on the GRE, you do not have to write a fraction in its most reduced form. So, for a numeric entry question, you could input 9/12 or 3/4, and still be correct :)

I hope this helps! :D

Feb 14, 2017 • Reply

▲

Ridwan Mohammed Nur

It's very helpful

Jun 29, 2016 • Comment

Cydney Seigerman, Magoosh Tutor

On behalf of Chris, thanks for the positive feedback! We're glad to hear that you found the explanation helpful, Rahman :D

Happy studying :)

Jun 30, 2016 • Reply

▲

Chris Lele, Magoosh Tutor