How to Find the Slope from Two Points

Step-by-step solution

1. Write the slope formula.

   $$m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}$$

   Why: Slope is the change in y divided by the change in x.

2. Substitute the two points.

   $$m = \frac{11 - 2}{4 - 1}$$

   Why: Either point can be the first point, as long as you keep the pairs together.

3. Subtract in the top and the bottom.

   $$m = \frac{9}{3}$$

   Why: 9 is the change in y and 3 is the change in x.

4. Divide.

   $$m = 3$$

   Why: The line rises 3 units for every 1 unit to the right.

Practice problems

Use the same method. Work each problem on paper, then open the answer to check.

1. 1

   $(1, 1) \text{ and } (3, 7)$

   Show answer

   $m = 3$

2. 2

   $(2, 5) \text{ and } (4, 1)$

   Show answer

   $m = -2$

3. 3

   $(2, 5) \text{ and } (6, 13)$

   Show answer

   $m = 2$

4. 4

   $(1, 4) \text{ and } (4, 1)$

   Show answer

   $m = -1$

5. 5

   $(3, 3) \text{ and } (7, 11)$

   Show answer

   $m = 2$