Slope of a Line m=−1

Definition of Slope
Finding the Slope Given an Equation

distance, 𝑦2 − 𝑦1 to the change in the horizontal 𝑥2 − 𝑥1, between any two

The steepness of a line can be measured by the ratio of the change in vertical
If given an equation, there are two ways to find the slope. First, we identify
points on the line. This numerical value called the slope of a line the slope given an equation by rewriting the given equation to the slope –
represented by m.
intercept form, y = mx + b, where m is the slope.

𝒔𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒆 (𝒎) = 1. Identify the slope of the equation, 3𝑥 − 2𝑦 − 10 = 0.

Example:
change ∈vertical distance
3𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 10
change∈horizontal distance
−2𝑦 = −3𝑥 + 10
�

𝒎=
rise �
run −2 y −3 x 10
= +
−2 −2 −2
𝒚= 𝒙−𝟓
3
y 2− y 1 2
m=
x2− x 3
Finding the Slope Given Two Points Therefore, m=
2
We can get the slope of a line without looking at the graph. In order to get
the rise over run, subtract the y – coordinates to get the “rise”, and subtract Another method to find the slope if given an equation of a line is to write
the x - coordinates of two given points to get the “run”. −A
the equation in the form Ax + By = C, where the slope (m) =
B
Examples:
1. Find the slope of the line passing through the points (2, 3) and (4, -5). Examples:

2. Identify the slope of the equation 8𝑥 + 11𝑦 = 7.

Step 1: Use the formula. Please note that regardless
which value is your y1y2 and x1x2, you will still arrive with the
same answer. A = 8 B = 11 Identify A and B.

= 𝒎= Substitute to 𝑚 =
Step 2: Substitute the values of the coordinates to the
−8 −A
, then simplify.
formula. 11 B
−5−3
Step 3: Simplify.
4−2 3. Identify the slope of the equation -6x = 2y + 14.

=
Step 4: Reduce to lowest terms, if possible.
−2𝑦 = 6𝑥 + 14
Method 1:
2. Find the slope of the line passing through the points (0, 1) and (1, 0). Rewrite in the form y = mx + b.
y 2− y 1 −2 y 6 x +14
m= =
x2− x −2 −2
0−1 𝑦 = −3𝑥 − 7 Simplify.

2:𝒎 = −𝟑.
¿
1−0
Therefore,
Method
−1
− 6𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 14
¿
1 Rewrite in the Ax + By = C.
 4 “run” to the right = 4
Step 3: Use the formula in getting the slope
rise −1
m= =
run 4
Finding the Slope Given Graphs
To find the slope of a line from its graph, select any two arbitrary points
on the line. Solution:
3. Step 1: Select any two points on
Remember! The line never changes, so any pair of points you will get in the B
A the line.
line will result to the same slope.
Remember! After choosing the two points of the line, calculate the rise and A (-3, 3) B (3, 3)
run. Step 2: Calculate the rise and
Remember! You can do “rise” (upward or downward), and you can only do run.
“run” to the right. If the point rise upward, the sign will always be No “rise” upward/downward = 0
positive, otherwise, it will be negative. 6 “run” to the right = 6
Step 3: Use the formula in getting
Examples: Find the slope of a line. the slope.
rise 0
Solution: m= = =0
run 6
1. Step 1: Select any two points on the line. Solution:
A (-2, 0) B (0, -3) A Step 1: Select any two points on
4.
A the line.
Step 2: Calculate the rise and run.
A (2, 3) B (2, -2)
3 “rise” downward = -3 Step 2: Calculate the rise and
B run.
B 2 “run” to the right = 2
5 “rise” upward/downward = 5
Step 3: Use the formula in getting the slope. No “run” to the right = 0
rise −3 −3 Step 3: Use the formula in
m= = =
run 2 2 getting the slope.
Solution: rise 5
m= = =undefined
2. run 0
Step 1: Select any two points on
Please take note of the different slope trends below for you to master
B the line.
the concept more.
A A (0, 0) B (-4, 1)
Slope Trends
Step 2: Calculate the rise and
run.
1 “rise” downward = -1 An increasing A decreasing
line from left to line from left to
right defines a
 A vertical line
A horizontal defines an
line defines a undefined
zero slope. slope.