Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
To identify the first step that must be taken when constructing a parallel line, there is some information about the given line that needs to be clearly established first.
First recall what it means to be parallel. For lines to be parallel, their slopes must be equal and they must have different x and y intercepts. If two lines have the same intercepts and the same slope they are not parallel lines, they are the same line. Parallel lines mean that two lines will never intersect.
From here, look at the possible answers to decide which one is best.
"Identify the two lines intersection point." by definition of parallel lines this is false since parallel lines never intersect.
"Find the x-intercept of the given line." and "Find the y-intercept of the given line." could possible be considered among the steps to constructing parallel lines but not necessarily.
"Take the negative reciprocal of the given line's slope." Taking this would give the slope of a perpendicular line.
"Calculate the slope of the given line." in order to construct a parallel line, the slope must first be calculated on the given line. Therefore, this is the best answer.