Finding Slope Basics

Front

What is the definition of slope in mathematics?

Back

Slope is a measure of the steepness or incline of a line, typically represented as the ratio of the vertical change to the horizontal change between two points on the line.

Front

What is the formula for calculating the slope between two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2)?

Back

The formula for slope (m) is m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1).

Front

What does a positive slope indicate about a line?

Back

A positive slope indicates that as the x-values increase, the y-values also increase, meaning the line rises from left to right.

Front

What does a negative slope indicate about a line?

Back

A negative slope indicates that as the x-values increase, the y-values decrease, meaning the line falls from left to right.

Front

What is the slope of a horizontal line?

Back

The slope of a horizontal line is 0.

Front

What is the slope of a vertical line?

Back

The slope of a vertical line is undefined.

Front

How do you determine the slope from a graph?

Back

To determine the slope from a graph, select two points on the line, find the vertical change (rise) and the horizontal change (run), and use the formula slope = rise/run.

Front

What is the slope of a line that rises 3 units for every 4 units it runs?

Back

The slope of the line is 3/4.

Front

If a line has a slope of 1/2, what does this mean in terms of rise and run?

Back

A slope of 1/2 means that for every 2 units of horizontal change (run), the line rises 1 unit (rise).

Front

What is the slope of a line that does not change in height as it moves horizontally?

Back

The slope of such a line is 0.