Skip to content

Four Types of Slope

Run Fullscreen

About This Diagram

This four-panel diagram shows the four types of slope with clear visual examples, rise/run arrows, and calculations for each type.

The Four Types

Type Value Direction Example
Positive m > 0 Rises left to right m = 1
Negative m < 0 Falls left to right m = -1
Zero m = 0 Horizontal m = 0
Undefined m = undefined Vertical Division by zero

Key Concepts

  • Rise: The vertical change (y₂ - y₁)
  • Run: The horizontal change (x₂ - x₁)
  • Slope Formula: m = rise/run = (y₂ - y₁)/(x₂ - x₁)

Visual Indicators

  • Blue arrows: Horizontal run
  • Green arrows: Positive rise
  • Orange arrows: Negative rise
  • Line colors: Match panel theme

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the meaning of positive, negative, zero, and undefined slopes
  • Analyze slope type from visual representations
  • Calculate slope using the rise/run formula

Bloom's Taxonomy Level

Understanding and Analyzing - Slope classification and interpretation.

Iframe Embed Code

<iframe src="https://dmccreary.github.io/geometry-course/sims/slope-types/main.html"
        height="702px"
        width="100%"
        scrolling="no"></iframe>