Slope describes the steepness of a line

By Angela Gallacher

If a line goes up from left to right, then the slope has to be positive

Conversely, if a line goes down from left to right, then the slope has to be negative

Rise over RunRise over Run

Rise over RunRise over Run

Rise over RunRise over Run

Definitions of Slope

Slope is simply the change in the vertical distance over the change in the horizontal distance

12

12

xx

yy

run

risemslope

12

12

xx

yym

The formula above is the one which we will use to find the slope of specific lines

In order to use that formula we need to know, or be able to find 2 points on the line

Lets Try!1. (2, 3) (4, 9)

2. (-3, 5) (3, 6)

32

6

24

39

7

1

)3(4

56

The slope of the line is 3

The slope of the line is 1/7

You Try

6,5,4,1

3

1

6

2

)1(5

46

Horizontal lines have a slope of zero while vertical lines have no slope

HorizontalVertical

m = 0

m = no slope