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MATH IN DEMAND

Slope Given a Graph

How do we determine the slope of a line given a graph?
Given a graph,
we can determine the slope by looking at the horizontal distance between the points "rise" divided by the vertical distance between the points "run".  In other words,
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Now, when we look at a graph and use the slope formula "rise over run", we need to think about the direction that we are moving in!  For example,
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On a graph, if you move up then this is a positive distance.  In comparison, if you move down then this is a negative distance.  The same is true when you move left or right.  If you move left then this is a negative distance.  Lastly, if you move right then this is a positive distance.

Example

Given the following graph, determine the slope:
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Picture
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Note - I could have started from the top point, however I find it easier for me to always start from the bottom point. Either way, you should always get the same answer for the slope!

Horizontal and Vertical Lines

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Practice

Determine the slope given the following graph:
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Click here to check your answer.
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