Math Problem Statement

Calculate slope using rise over run

Solution

The slope of a line can be calculated using the formula:

slope=riserun\text{slope} = \frac{\text{rise}}{\text{run}}

Steps:

  1. Rise: The vertical change between two points on the line. It's the difference in the yy-coordinates: Δy=y2y1\Delta y = y_2 - y_1.
  2. Run: The horizontal change between two points on the line. It's the difference in the xx-coordinates: Δx=x2x1\Delta x = x_2 - x_1.
  3. Calculate the Slope: Divide the rise (Δy\Delta y) by the run (Δx\Delta x).

Example:

If two points on the line are (2,3)(2, 3) and (5,7)(5, 7):

  • Rise: y2y1=73=4y_2 - y_1 = 7 - 3 = 4
  • Run: x2x1=52=3x_2 - x_1 = 5 - 2 = 3
  • Slope: riserun=43\frac{\text{rise}}{\text{run}} = \frac{4}{3}

Thus, the slope is 43\frac{4}{3}.

Would you like further clarification or another example?


Related Questions:

  1. How do you interpret a negative slope in a real-world scenario?
  2. What happens to the slope if the line is vertical?
  3. Can slope be a decimal or fraction? How does it affect the line's steepness?
  4. How does slope relate to the angle of a line?
  5. What is the difference between positive, negative, zero, and undefined slopes?

Tip:

Always simplify the slope to its lowest terms to clearly express the rate of change.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Slope
Linear Equations
Coordinate Geometry

Formulas

slope = rise / run
rise = y2 - y1
run = x2 - x1

Theorems

Slope formula theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8