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from class: College Algebra Definition Slope measures the steepness and direction of a line, typically defined as the ratio of the vertical change to the horizontal change between two points on the line. It is commonly represented by the letter $m$.
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Predict what's on your test 5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test The slope formula is $m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}$ where $(x_1, y_1)$ and $(x_2, y_2)$ are two distinct points on a line. A positive slope indicates that the line rises as it moves from left to right. A negative slope indicates that the line falls as it moves from left to right. A slope of zero indicates a horizontal line, while an undefined slope (division by zero) indicates a vertical line. Slope-intercept form of a linear equation is $y = mx + b$, where $m$ is the slope and $b$ is the y-intercept. Review Questions What does a positive slope indicate about a linear function? How do you calculate the slope given two points on a line? What is the significance of an undefined slope?
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