How to Calculate the Slope of a Line Through Two Points?

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In summary, the slope of a line is a measure of its steepness or incline, calculated by dividing the change in the y-coordinate by the change in the x-coordinate between two points on the line. A positive slope indicates an increase in the dependent variable as the independent variable increases, while a negative slope indicates a decrease. The slope of a horizontal line can be 0, meaning that the dependent variable remains constant regardless of the change in the independent variable.
  • #1
mathdad
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Show that the slope of the line passing through the two points (x, x^2) and (x + h, (x + h)^2) = 2x + h.

Must I use m = delta(y)/delta(x)?
 
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  • #2
RTCNTC said:
Show that the slope of the line passing through the two points (x, x^2) and (x + h, (x + h)^2) = 2x + h.

Must I use m = delta(y)/delta(x)?
Yup.

-Dan
 
  • #3
topsquark said:
Yup.

-Dan

Perfect. I can now proceed.
 

1. What is the slope of a line?

The slope of a line is a measure of its steepness or incline. It represents the rate of change of the dependent variable with respect to the independent variable.

2. How is the slope of a line calculated?

The slope of a line can be calculated by dividing the change in the y-coordinate (vertical change) by the change in the x-coordinate (horizontal change) between two points on the line. This is represented by the formula: slope = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1).

3. What does a positive slope indicate?

A positive slope indicates that the line is increasing from left to right, meaning that the dependent variable is increasing as the independent variable increases.

4. What does a negative slope indicate?

A negative slope indicates that the line is decreasing from left to right, meaning that the dependent variable is decreasing as the independent variable increases.

5. Can the slope of a line be 0?

Yes, the slope of a horizontal line is 0. This means that there is no change in the y-coordinate as the x-coordinate changes, resulting in a flat line. In this case, the dependent variable remains constant regardless of the change in the independent variable.

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