[Fiver]

Originally Posted by Makumajon

x-intercept*y-intercept=negative.

So, if the line cuts x-axis on positive side, then it must cut y-axis on negative side. Conversely, if the line cuts x-axis on negative side, then it must cut y-axis on positive side.

[Whatever the case, the angle between the line and positive side of x-axis will be less than 90 degree. You can easily see it by drawing a rough sketch. So, the slope of the line will be negative.]

Now we need two points to find the slope of a line:
Slope = difference in y-coordinates/difference in x-coordinates

We already have one point (1, 4). So, test the choices for the other probable point:
(A) point (2, 3). Slope = (3-4)/(2-1) = -1, negative
(B) point (5, 7). Slope = (7-4)/(5-1) = 3/4 = positive. Answer.

Shortcut: if x-coordinates are positively related with y-coordinates, slope is positive. Otherwise, negative.
Positively related means, when x increases, y will also increase. When x decreases, y will also decrease. So, when you get two points, look at the change of x's values and y's values.

Liked the shortcut given by you man. U rock.