Slope Formula:
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Slope calculation determines the steepness or gradient of a line between two points. It represents the rate of change of y with respect to x and is a fundamental concept in mathematics, physics, and engineering.
The calculator uses the slope formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the ratio of vertical change (rise) to horizontal change (run) between two points on a line.
Details: Slope is crucial in various fields including mathematics for linear equations, physics for velocity and acceleration, engineering for structural design, and economics for rate analysis.
Tips: Enter coordinate values for two points. Ensure x2 and x1 are different to avoid division by zero. The result is dimensionless and represents the steepness of the line.
Q1: What does a positive slope indicate?
A: A positive slope indicates the line is increasing - as x increases, y also increases.
Q2: What does a negative slope indicate?
A: A negative slope indicates the line is decreasing - as x increases, y decreases.
Q3: What is a zero slope?
A: A zero slope indicates a horizontal line where y-values remain constant regardless of x-values.
Q4: What is an undefined slope?
A: An undefined slope occurs when x2 = x1, resulting in a vertical line where the change in x is zero.
Q5: How is slope used in real-world applications?
A: Slope is used in road design (gradient), economics (marginal rates), physics (acceleration), and construction (roof pitch).