What Are the Two Common Forms of the Mathematical Equation for Slope?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying the two common forms of the mathematical equation for slope, specifically in the context of coordinates and line equations.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the definitions of slope, including the rise/run concept and its representation as a derivative. There is an attempt to clarify the relationship between different forms of the slope equation and the context in which they are used.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided definitions and forms of the slope equation, while others express confusion about the derivative form and its relevance to their current level of study. The discussion appears to be exploring multiple interpretations of the question without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of varying levels of mathematical understanding among participants, particularly regarding calculus concepts and their application to the definition of slope.

1337Montage
Messages
5
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Give the two common forms of the mathematical equation for slope (involving X & Y)?


Homework Equations


?


The Attempt at a Solution


Can you guys please give me the two common forms of the mathematical equation for slope? I don't know what it is but I am guessing it's slope=rise/run and slope=y2-y1/x2-x1
 
Physics news on Phys.org


y2-y1/x2-x1 is the definition of rise/run. And rise/run is not really a legitimate mathematical formula. The slope is also the derivative of y with respect to x at a given point: dy/dx. I don't know if that's exactly what your'e looking for, though.
 


musicmar said:
y2-y1/x2-x1 is the definition of rise/run. And rise/run is not really a legitimate mathematical formula. The slope is also the derivative of y with respect to x at a given point: dy/dx. I don't know if that's exactly what your'e looking for, though.

So basically you are saying that the two defining equations are y2-y1/x2-x1 and dy/dx.
That does make sense because the previous question asked me for the defining equation of the concept of slope, which my teacher said was slope=rise/run.

EDIT: But I am a little confused about dy/dx...
 


I don't know what level of math you are in, but dy/dx, or the derivative of y with respect to x, is from calc 1. If you are in a lower level math class than calculus, you will not have learned derivatives yet, and I don't know another definition of slope.
 


The question is quite unclear.
Any how I have these two forms-
If co-ordinates of the points are given (x1,y1) and (x2,y2) then the slope is m = y2-y1/x2-x1

If the equation of the straight line is given-
Ax + By + C =0
then slope m = -A/B
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
13K
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
7K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
8K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K