Geometry and trigonometry

Slope

The rate at which a line's vertical coordinate changes relative to its horizontal coordinate.

Common notationm=(y₂−y₁)/(x₂−x₁)

In one sentence

What does Slope mean?

The rate at which a line's vertical coordinate changes relative to its horizontal coordinate.

How it is written

m=(y₂−y₁)/(x₂−x₁)

A compact example

From (1,2) to (4,8), the slope is 6/3=2.

Other names and search terms

gradient, rise over run.

Where this fits

When should you learn Slope?

The first encounter is not the final level. Many ideas begin visually, become computational in high school and become formal in college.

  1. 1Pre-high schoolUsually introduced
  2. 2High schoolGreater depth
  3. 3CollegeGreater depth
  4. 4AdvancedGreater depth
Typical subjects
  • Geometry
  • Trigonometry
Know first
  • Arithmetic
  • Measurement
What it unlocks
  • Vectors
  • Waves
  • Coordinate geometry

Clear answers

Questions about Slope

What does Slope mean in mathematics?

The rate at which a line's vertical coordinate changes relative to its horizontal coordinate.

How is Slope written?

A common notation is m=(y₂−y₁)/(x₂−x₁).

What is an example of Slope?

From (1,2) to (4,8), the slope is 6/3=2.

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