Slope is defined as rise over run. In other words, it’s the tilt or

steepness of a line. Slope can be described as a single number, or

it can be undefined. It is the ratio of the change in y, divided by

the ratio of the change in x.

Take out a piece of graph paper and plot the following points.

A(-3, 1) B(2,3) C(-2, 4) D(0, -2)

Label the two points connecting points A & B line a.

Label the two points connecting points C & C line b.

Let's first calculate the slope of line a.

We notice that if we move from point A to B, the y values change

by 2.

We also notice that if we move from point A to B, the x values

change by 5.

Therefore, the slope is 2 over 5.

Now let's calculate the slope of line b.

The change in the y values is 6, while the change in the x values

is 2.

The slope is -6 divided by 2, or -3.

Can you think of when the slope of a line would be zero ??

Or undefined ?? (Remember division by zero !!)