Slope

Math

Definition

A measure of the steepness and direction of a line, calculated as the ratio of vertical change (rise) to horizontal change (run) between any two points on the line. A positive slope rises left to right, a negative slope falls, zero slope is horizontal, and undefined slope is vertical.

Examples

  • A ramp that rises 3 feet over a horizontal distance of 12 feet has a slope of 3/12 = 1/4
  • The line through (1, 2) and (4, 8) has slope (8−2)/(4−1) = 2
Key Fact

m = (y₂ − y₁) / (x₂ − x₁)

Related Terms

Slope-intercept form Point-slope form Slopes of parallel and perpendicular lines X and y intercepts

Study This Concept

Practice slope with free review games in these units:

Algebra 1 Unit 3: Graphing Linear Functions