Finding the Slope

Slopes are commonly associated with mountains

The slope we are studying is associated with the graph of a line.

Definitions of Slope The tilt or inclination of a line The ratio of vertical change to horizontal change. The change in y over the change in x

Tilt or Inclination

Vertical Change Horizontal Change This ratio is also known as Rise Run

Graph (3,2) and (-1,-1)

Draw a line through the points

Now that we have our line lets find its slope. Remember we are finding the following ratio: Vertical or Rise Horizontal Run

Vertical Change or the Rise 3 Discuss vertical change

Horizontal Change or the Run 4 3 Discuss horizontal change

Vertical Rise Horizontal Run 3 4 May need to remind students that a ratio is a comparison of two numbers

Find the slope of the following line.

The slope is… 1 2

Find the slope of the line.

The slope is…. -3 Discuss why the slope is negative and that –3/1 reduces to –3.