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Slope Calculator

Calculate slope and distance between points. Enter values for instant results with step-by-step formulas.

Formula

m = (y₂ - y₁) / (x₂ - x₁)

Slope is the ratio of the vertical change (rise) to the horizontal change (run).

Worked Examples

Example 1: Points (0,0) and (4,4)

Problem:(0,0) to (4,4)

Solution:Slope = (4-0)/(4-0) = 1. Distance = √(4²+4²) ≈ 5.657

Result:m=1

Example 2: Negative Slope

Problem:(0,5) to (5,0)

Solution:Slope = (0-5)/(5-0) = -1.

Result:m=-1

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the slope of a horizontal line?

The slope is 0. There is no vertical change (rise = 0), so 0 divided by any run is 0.

What is the slope of a vertical line?

The slope is Undefined. There is no horizontal change (run = 0), and division by zero is mathematically undefined.

What does a negative slope mean?

A negative slope means the line is going downhill from left to right. As x increases, y decreases.

How do I find the angle of the slope?

You can calculate the angle using trigonometry: Angle = arctan(slope). A slope of 1 corresponds to 45°.

References