Finding The Slope Of A Line

A quick tutorial reviewing how to find slope of a line given two points

Definition of SlopeSlope is defined as the ratio of rise and run. It describes the rate at which a line rises or falls.

Slope = m =

Finding the SlopeSlope = m =

(2 , 6)

(8 , 10)Begin by identifying ANY two points on the line

Finding the SlopeSlope = m =

(2 , 6)

(8 , 10)Find the Rise by subtracting the

y-values

Rise = 10 – 6 = 4

Finding the SlopeSlope = m =

(2 , 6)

(8 , 10)Find the Run by subtracting the

x-values

Run = 8 – 2 = 6

Finding the SlopeSlope = m = = =

(2 , 6)

(8 , 10)write your answer as a fraction and be sure to reduce

m =

The Slope FormulaSlope = m =

(x1 , y1)

(x2 , y2)

To make the formula, we begin by identifying two generic points (x1 , y1) and (x2 , y2)

The Slope Formula

(x1 , y1)

(x2 , y2)

Slope = m =

Again, Find the Rise by subtracting

the y-values

Rise = y2 – y1

The Slope Formula

(x1 , y1)

(x2 , y2)

Slope = m =

Again, Find the Run by subtracting

the x-values

Run = x2 – x1

Slope = m = =

Again, write your answer as a fraction

m = (x1 , y1)

(x2 , y2)

The Slope Formula

Using The Slope Formula

(3 , 10)(10 , 6)

(x1 , y1) = (3 , 10)

(x2 , y2) = (10 , 6)

m = = =

WHAT IF….we choose the points in opposite order?

(3 , 10)(10 , 6)

(x1 , y1) = (10 , 6)

(x2 , y2) = (3 , 10)

m = = = = The order doesn’t matter, the sign remains the

same in the end

A Final Example

(-2 , 5)

(6 , -1)

(x1 , y1) = (-2 , 5)

(x2 , y2) = (6 , -1)

m = = = =