Math Problem Statement

how do you caulculate a slope

Solution

To calculate the slope of a line, you use the slope formula:

slope=m=y2y1x2x1\text{slope} = m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}

Here’s what the formula means:

  1. Choose two points on the line, (x1,y1)(x_1, y_1) and (x2,y2)(x_2, y_2).
  2. Subtract the yy-coordinates (y2y1y_2 - y_1) to find the change in yy (vertical change).
  3. Subtract the xx-coordinates (x2x1x_2 - x_1) to find the change in xx (horizontal change).
  4. Divide the change in yy by the change in xx.

Example:

If you have two points (1,2)(1, 2) and (4,8)(4, 8), calculate the slope as follows:

  1. Identify coordinates: (x1,y1)=(1,2)(x_1, y_1) = (1, 2) and (x2,y2)=(4,8)(x_2, y_2) = (4, 8).
  2. Find the change in yy: y2y1=82=6y_2 - y_1 = 8 - 2 = 6.
  3. Find the change in xx: x2x1=41=3x_2 - x_1 = 4 - 1 = 3.
  4. Calculate the slope: m=y2y1x2x1=63=2m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} = \frac{6}{3} = 2

Thus, the slope is m=2m = 2.


Let me know if you'd like me to expand or clarify anything!

Here are 5 related questions you might find interesting:

  1. How do you determine the slope from a graph?
  2. What is the slope of a horizontal or vertical line?
  3. How do you interpret the slope in real-world applications (e.g., speed)?
  4. What does a positive or negative slope indicate about the line?
  5. How do you calculate the slope of a curve at a point (instantaneous slope)?

Tip: The slope measures the "steepness" of a line and tells you how much yy changes for a unit change in xx.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Slope
Linear Equations
Coordinate Geometry

Formulas

slope formula: m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)

Theorems

Slope theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9