Slope Basics

Front

What is the definition of slope?

Back

Slope is a measure of the steepness or incline of a line, typically represented as 'm' in the equation of a line (y = mx + b). It is calculated as the ratio of the rise (change in y) over the run (change in x).

Front

How do you calculate the slope between two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2)?

Back

The slope (m) is calculated using the formula: m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1).

Front

What does a positive slope indicate about a line?

Back

A positive slope indicates that as the x-value increases, the y-value also increases, 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-value increases, the y-value decreases, 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, as there is no change in y regardless of the change in x.

Front

What is the slope of a vertical line?

Back

The slope of a vertical line is undefined, as the change in x is 0, leading to division by zero.

Front

If a line has a slope of 3/4, what does this mean in terms of rise and run?

Back

A slope of 3/4 means that for every 4 units moved horizontally (run), the line rises 3 units (rise).

Front

How can you determine if a slope is positive, negative, or zero from a graph?

Back

If the line rises from left to right, the slope is positive. If it falls from left to right, the slope is negative. If it is horizontal, the slope is zero.

Front

What is the slope-intercept form of a linear equation?

Back

The slope-intercept form is y = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept.

Front

How do you find the slope from a table of values?

Back

To find the slope from a table, select two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) and use the formula m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1).