- Slope is the rate of change in a relationship.
- Slope, or rate of change, is a ratio of the following:
change in the dependent variable
change in the independent variable
- On a graph of a linear relationship, slope describes the steepness of the line.
- A positive slope increases from left to right.
- A negative slope decreases from left to right.
- A zero slope is a horizontal line.
- An undefined slope is a vertical line.
- Line A: zero
- Line B: negative
- Line C: undefined
- Line D: positive
- Strategies to remember the difference between “undefined” and “zero” slope:
- Zero slope: line is flat like the number 0.
- Undefined slope: line goes straight up/down, like a wall — you can’t divide by zero, so it’s undefined.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of rate of change and slope worksheet.
