Reference notes
Definition and formula
Slope (m) describes how steep a line is. It equals the ratio of vertical change (rise) to horizontal change (run).
Given two points (x₁, y₁) and (x₂, y₂) the formula is m = (y₂ − y₁) / (x₂ − x₁). A vertical line has undefined slope because run = 0.
Rise, run, distance, angle
Rise² + run² = distance² (Pythagorean theorem). The angle of incline θ relates to slope via tan(θ) = m.
Grade (%) often used in engineering equals slope × 100. A 10% grade means the line rises 10 units for every 100 horizontal units.
Worked example
Points (3,4) and (8,9): rise = 5, run = 5 → slope = 1, distance = √(5² + 5²) ≈ 7.07, θ = tan⁻¹(1) = 45°.
Given slope = 3/4 and distance = 5 from point (1,1): run = 4, rise = 3 so the second point is (5,4).