Finding the slope of a line is an essential skill in coordinate geometry, and is often used to determine the x- and y-Intercepts of the line.The slope of a line is a measure of how steep it is, which is used to determine how many units the line moves vertically and horizontally.The coordinates of two points can be used to calculate the slope of a line.
Step 1: Understand the formula for the slope.
Slope is defined as a rise over run that shows the vertical and horizontal distance between two points.
Step 2: Pick two points and put their coordinates on the line.
The line can go through any of these points.If you are given two points on the line, you can use this method.The location along the x or horizontal axis is listed along with the location on the y or vertical axis.You can choose points with coordinates.
Step 3: Determine the order of your points.
One point will be points 1 and 2.If you keep them in the correct order throughout the calculation, it doesn't matter which point it is.The first and second points will have the same coordinates.
Step 4: The slope formula needs to be set up.
The formula is riserun.The rise and run are determined by the change in y-coordinates.
Step 5: The slope formula can be plugged into the y-coordinates.
If you are substituting the correct y-coordinates for the first and second points, make sure you don't use the x-Coordinates.Your formula will look like this if the coordinates of your first and second points are the same.
Step 6: The slope formula can be plugged into the x-coordinates.
If you are substituting the correct x-coordinates for the first and second points, make sure you don't use the y-Coordinates.If the coordinates of your first and second points are 3 and 2, respectively, your formula will look like this.
Step 7: Take the y-coordinates and subtract them.
You will get your rise from this.If your y-coordinates are 8 and 2, you would calculate 82=6.
Step 8: Take the x-coordinates and subtract them.
You will get your run from this.If your x-coordinates are 7 and 3, you would calculate 73=4.
Step 9: If necessary, reduce the fraction.
The slope of your line will be given by this result.Reduce Fractions contains complete instructions on how to reduce a fraction.The slope of a line through points can be reduced from 64 to 32.
Step 10: When working with negative numbers be careful.
A slope can be positive or negative.A line with a positive slope moves up left-to-right while another line has a negative slope.If the numerator and denominator are both negative, the negative signs cancel out and the fraction is positive.The fraction and slope are negative if either the numerator or the denominator is negative.
Step 11: You should check your work.
You can calculate your slope by looking at the rise.Count up the rise, then over the run.When you reach your second point, count up the rise and run.Your calculation is incorrect if you don't reach your second point.