what is the distance and slope with the points, (5,8) and (1,3)

Distance = √[(5 - 1)² + (8 - 3)²] =  √ (4² + 5² ) = √(16 + 25) = √41

The Slope is   [8 - 3 ] / [5 - 1 ] = 5 / 4

I have a question for you CPhill.

To find the slope you did

$$slope= \frac{y_1 - y_2}{x_1 - x_2}$$

I thought it was

$$slope = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}$$

Will both of these always give the same answer?

I don't doubt your answer, I was just curious.