Example

Determine two points on the line described by the equation $x-3y=9$. Then use your points to find the slope of the line.

Solution

Let's use the intercepts to compute the slope. By setting $y=0$ and $x=0$, respectively, we can determine the $x$ and $y$-intercepts. They are $(9,0)$ and $(0,-3)$. It follows that the slope is