Geometry · Coordinate Geometry

Slope

HSG-GPE.B.5

Definition

The steepness of a line, m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1), or rise over run.

Examples

  • A rise of 4 over a run of 2 gives a slope of m = 2.
  • A line through (0,0) and (3,6) has slope (6-0)/(3-0) = 2.

Key rule

Slope measures a line's steepness as the change in y over the change in x.

Memory hook

Rise over run.