Determining type of slope Objective: Distinguish between positive, negative, zero, or no slope GLE: 39. Compare and contrast linear functions algebraically in terms of their rates of change and intercepts (P-4-H)

Do you know Ski Sue? She is an expert on slope. If you take her advice, she’ll tell you what type of slope you have.

Poor Sue… Unfortunately, she’s not an expert skier. She can only go one direction… To the right

But she loves the mountains That’s how she got to be an expert on slope. The mountains are like graphs Will she go up or down the mountain? Is that positive or negative?

What about this slope?

Not all slopes are that fun Zero slope (it moves 0) How many feet did she go up?

And this one? THAT’S A CLIFF!

Let’s take a look at Sue after… She’s UNDEFINED!

Slope (in Algebra) Remember, Slope is defined like this: Rise (amount moved up/down) Run (amount moved left/right) So why is this line’s slope 0, and this line’s slope “Undefined”?

Let’s look at some more

Resources Ski Sue - Mostphotos.com – cartoon skiing woman http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=cartoon+skier&view=detail&id=ED1B0ED5A8145008442BADA76720AA9C7BA8BA6F&first=31&FORM=IDFRIR Boring Slope - Picturesofwinter.net – snow on cabins Louisiana Comprehensive Curriculum Louisiana Department of Education Website (GLE’s)