Slope of a Line
Slope of a Line is a fundamental Grade 8 algebra skill that defines slope as the ratio of vertical change (rise) to horizontal change (run) between two points on a line. Students calculate slope using the formula m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1) and interpret positive, negative, zero, and undefined slopes.
Key Concepts
New Concept The slope of a line is the ratio of the rise to the run between any two points on the line. $$\text{slope} = \frac{\text{rise}}{\text{run}}$$ What’s next Next, you’ll master calculating slope from graphs and points, and also learn to solve proportions using the powerful cross products method.
Common Questions
What is the slope of a line?
Slope measures the steepness and direction of a line. It is calculated as rise divided by run, or m = (y2 minus y1) divided by (x2 minus x1).
How do you find the slope between two points?
Use the slope formula: m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1). Subtract the y-coordinates and divide by the difference of the x-coordinates.
What does a positive slope mean?
A positive slope means the line goes upward from left to right.
What is a slope of zero?
A slope of zero means the line is horizontal (flat).
What is an undefined slope?
An undefined slope occurs when the line is vertical, because the run (horizontal change) is zero and you cannot divide by zero.