1. What is Slope?

Slope is a measure of the steepness of a line, representing the ratio of the vertical change (rise) to the horizontal change (run) between two points on the line. It describes the direction and steepness of the line.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the slope formula:

Where:

• \( m \) — Slope (unitless)
• \( x_1 \) — x-coordinate of first point (unitless)
• \( y_1 \) — y-coordinate of first point (unitless)
• \( x_2 \) — x-coordinate of second point (unitless)
• \( y_2 \) — y-coordinate of second point (unitless)

Explanation: The calculator handles both whole numbers and fractions as inputs, and provides the result in simplest fractional form when possible.

3. Importance of Slope Calculation

Details: Slope calculation is fundamental in mathematics, physics, engineering, and economics. It helps determine rates of change, linear relationships, and is essential for graphing linear equations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter coordinates as whole numbers or fractions (e.g., 1/2, 3/4). The calculator will automatically handle fraction inputs and provide results in simplest form. If the line is vertical (x₂ = x₁), the slope is undefined.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does a positive/negative slope mean?
A: Positive slope means the line rises from left to right. Negative slope means the line falls from left to right.

Q2: What is a zero slope?
A: Zero slope means the line is horizontal (no vertical change).

Q3: What is an undefined slope?
A: Undefined slope occurs when x₂ = x₁, meaning the line is vertical (no horizontal change).

Q4: Can I use decimal inputs?
A: Yes, the calculator accepts decimal inputs, but will try to convert the result to fractional form when possible.

Q5: How accurate is the fraction conversion?
A: The calculator converts to fractions with denominators up to 1000, providing results accurate to 6 decimal places.