Finding the Slope of a Line – Unit 1

Fill-in-the-blank flashcards covering key concepts on slope, intercepts, slope formula, and methods for finding slope.

The slope of a line is commonly described as the ratio of over .

rise; run

If two points on a line are (x₁, y₁) and (x₂, y₂), the slope m is calculated with the formula m = __.

(y₂ − y₁) ⁄ (x₂ − x₁)

A horizontal line has a slope of __.

0 (zero)

A vertical line has a slope that is __.

undefined

A line that slopes upward from left to right has a __ slope.

positive

A line that slopes downward from left to right has a __ slope.

negative

The x-intercept of a line is the point where the line crosses the __ axis.

x

The y-intercept of a line is the point where the line crosses the __ axis.

y

For a line with x-intercept a and y-intercept b, the slope can be found using m = __.

−b ⁄ a

The four primary methods for finding slope are: from a __, from an equation, from two points, and from x- and y-intercepts.

graph

In the ordered pair (x, y), the first coordinate represents the __ value.

x

In the ordered pair (x, y), the second coordinate represents the __ value.

y

The phrase “rise over run” refers to the change in y (rise) divided by the change in __ (run).

x

If a line passes through (−3, 1) and (−1, 5), the numerator of the slope formula (y₂ − y₁) equals __.

4 (because 5 − 1 = 4)

Using the same points (−3, 1) and (−1, 5), the denominator of the slope formula (x₂ − x₁) equals __.

2 (because −1 − (−3) = 2)

After finding the change in y and change in x for (−3, 1) and (−1, 5), the slope m equals __.

2 (because 4 ⁄ 2 = 2)

When both intercepts of a line are equal and positive (a = b > 0), the slope of the line is __.

−1

A line whose equation is written in the form y = mx + b has a slope represented by the coefficient __.

m