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

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on identifying the two common forms of the mathematical equation for slope. The first form is the slope calculated between two points, represented as m = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1). The second form is derived from the equation of a straight line, expressed as m = -A/B when the line is in the form Ax + By + C = 0. Additionally, the derivative of y with respect to x, denoted as dy/dx, is mentioned as a conceptual representation of slope in calculus. The clarity of the question is noted, especially regarding the level of mathematics involved.
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Homework Statement


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


Homework Equations


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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
 
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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
 

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