1. Calculating Slope
m = y2 – y1
x2 – x1

2. Examples
(3, 5) , (9, 7)
Remember that every point is in the form (x,y). The very first thing you should do is label your points. x1 y1 x2 y2
Now stick them directly into the formula.
7 – = 2 = 1
9 – So, the slope is 1/3.

3. Examples Cont. (-1, -10) , (4, -2) Once again, label your numbers. x1
Stick them directly into the formula.
-2 – (-10) = = 8
4 – (-1)
So, the slope is 8/5. Don’t change this to a
mixed number. Remember, slope is rise
over run. It needs to look like a fraction.

4. Independent Practice (5, 0) , (-7, 3)
Did you remember to label your numbers? x1 y1 x2 y2
Did you put them directly into the formula?
3 – 0 = 3 = 1
-7 – The slope is -1/4.

5. Independent Practice Cont.
(4, -3) , (9, -6)
Did you label the numbers?
x1 y1 x2 y2
Stick them directly into the formula.
-6 – (-3) = = -3
9 – So, the slope is -3/5.