Example 1
Determine the slope of the line shown.
To determine the slope, first select two identifiable points on the graph.

Next, determine the change in y (the rise) and the change in x (the run) between the two points.

Use the slope formula to determine the slope.

The slope of this line is 2.




Notice in Example 1, that switching the order of the points in the slope formula has no bearing on the end result.


You can think of this line as having a positive rise and a positive run when travelling from point P1 to point P2, or as having a negative rise and a negative run travelling from point P2 to point P1.

When using the slope formula, be sure that x1 and y1 come from one point and that x2 and y2 come from the second point.