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

2. 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.

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

4. 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?

5. What about this slope?

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

7. And this one?
THAT’S A CLIFF!

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

9. 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”?

10. Let’s look at some more

11. Resources
Ski Sue Mostphotos.com – cartoon skiing woman
Boring Slope Picturesofwinter.net – snow on cabins
Louisiana Comprehensive Curriculum
Louisiana Department of Education Website (GLE’s)