The slope of a line is a measurement of how steeply the line is inclined, or how fast of a rate it is moving upward. A positive slope means the line is slanted upward, while a negative slope is slanted downward. Slope is calculated as a ratio (fraction) of rise/run. Use the applet below to help you explore slope. Answer the questions below.
1. The rise of a line or line segment is the amount the line goes up (or down) in an interval. Look at the line segment AB above. What is the rise between these two points? How much does the line go up? 2. How could you use the coordinates of the points to calculate the rise between them? 3. The run of a line or line segment is the amount the line goes right/left over an interval. Look at the line segment AB above. What is the run between these two points? How much does the line go to the right? 4. How could you use the coordinates of the points to calculate the run between them? 5. Slope is calculated as rise/run (rise over run in fraction form, or rise divided by run). Calculate the slope of the line segment AB.