Finding the slope between two points
Slope is change in y over change in x, subtracted in the same order.
The common mistake
Putting x on top (run over rise) or subtracting in mismatched order, which flips the sign.
Instead: Use m = (y₂ − y₁) / (x₂ − x₁), taking both values from the same point first.
Worked example with Guide me
Find the slope through (1, 2) and (3, 6).
- Sugar · What's the change in y, second point minus first?Student · 6 − 2 = 4.
- Sugar · And the change in x, same order?Student · 3 − 1 = 2.
- Sugar · So the slope?Student · 4 ÷ 2 = 2.
Answer: m = 2
Try 3 practice questions
1. Slope through (0, 1) and (2, 7)?
Show answer
3
2. Slope through (−1, 4) and (3, −4)?
Show answer
−2
3. Slope through (2, 5) and (6, 5)?
Show answer
0 (horizontal line)
Quick answers
- What is the most common mistake with finding the slope between two points?
- Putting x on top (run over rise) or subtracting in mismatched order, which flips the sign.
- How do I get finding the slope between two points right?
- Use m = (y₂ − y₁) / (x₂ − x₁), taking both values from the same point first.
- Can you show a worked example?
- Find the slope through (1, 2) and (3, 6). m = 2
Related concepts
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