How to calculate slope
Enter the x and y coordinates for two points. The slope is calculated as rise ÷ run = (y₂ − y₁) ÷ (x₂ − x₁). The y-intercept is found by substituting the slope and one point into y = mx + b. The distance uses the Pythagorean theorem: √((x₂−x₁)² + (y₂−y₁)²).
Slope formula reference
Slope m = (y₂ − y₁) / (x₂ − x₁). Y-intercept b = y₁ − m × x₁. Line equation: y = mx + b. Positive slope: line rises left to right. Negative slope: line falls left to right. Zero slope: horizontal line. Undefined slope: vertical line (x₁ = x₂).
FAQ
What does slope mean?
Slope measures how steep a line is. It is the ratio of vertical change (rise) to horizontal change (run) between any two points on the line. A slope of 2 means for every 1 unit right, the line goes 2 units up.
What is the y-intercept?
The y-intercept is the point where the line crosses the y-axis (where x = 0). In the equation y = mx + b, b is the y-intercept. It represents the value of y when x equals zero.