Slope Calculator
Slope Calculator
The slope calculator finds the steepness of a line between two coordinate points, a fundamental concept in algebra and geometry.
Conversion Formula
m = (y₂ - y₁) / (x₂ - x₁), also described as "rise over run." The result tells you how much y changes for each unit change in x.
Step-by-Step Examples
(1,2) and (4,8) = m = 2
(8-2)/(4-1) = 6/3 = 2. The line rises 2 units for every 1 unit right.
(0,5) and (3,5) = m = 0
(5-5)/(3-0) = 0/3 = 0. A horizontal line.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is slope?
Slope measures the steepness and direction of a line, defined as the ratio of vertical change (rise) to horizontal change (run).
What does a slope of 0 mean?
A slope of 0 means the line is perfectly horizontal — there is no vertical change.
What does undefined slope mean?
An undefined slope occurs with a vertical line where x₁ equals x₂, causing division by zero.
What is a positive vs negative slope?
A positive slope rises from left to right; a negative slope falls from left to right.
How does slope relate to the equation y = mx + b?
In the slope-intercept form, m is the slope and b is the y-intercept where the line crosses the y-axis.