Between two points, (x1, y1) and (x2, y2), the formula for slope is m = (y2 – y1)/(x2 – x1), rise over run, or change in y over change in x.

As an example, if you have the line passing through the points (2, 4) and (10, 8), then the slope is

(8 – 4) / (10-2)

= 4/8

= 1/2

Just subtract the y-values and subtract the x-values. Put them in a fraction, and reduce.

I hope this helps!

You’re probably thinking of the slope forumla.

The numbers in the following should be seen as subscripts:

(y1 – y2) / (x1 – x2)

y1 – y2 is the same as Delta y

x1 – x2 is the same as Delta x

Instead of having to analyze two separate points (the _D_ifference of the _Y_ axis and the _D_ifference on the _X_ axis of these two points (DY/DX), like you would when you walk up stairs), you can find the formula for the slope related to any -specific point- on a graph.

That makes all of 8th-grade algebra redundant.

Example: “What’s the formula for the -slope- of any point on y=X^2”

Answer: y=2x

Example: “What’s the -slope- for (0,0) on the graph y=x^2”

Answer: 0, because y=2x for the value (x=0) = 0.