Slope from two points, step by step
Given two points, the slope is how far up over how far along.
The question
(−1, 6) and (4, 6)
(−1, 6)and(4, 6)
up=6 − 6 = 0
across=4 − (−1) = 5
0 ÷ 5=0
m=0
- Slope is how far the line climbs for each step across. So take both differences between the two points — and take them in the SAME order, second minus first, both times.
- Going up: 6 − 6 = 0. Going across: 4 − (−1) = 5. Swapping the order on only one of those is what turns the sign the wrong way.
- Both points are at the same height, so it climbs 0 — the line does not climb at all. A flat line has slope 0, so m = 0.
How it works.
- 01
Slope is how far the line climbs for each step across. So take both differences between the two points — and take them in the SAME order, second minus first, both times.
- 02
Going up: 6 − 6 = 0. Going across: 4 − (−1) = 5. Swapping the order on only one of those is what turns the sign the wrong way.
- 03
Both points are at the same height, so it climbs 0 — the line does not climb at all. A flat line has slope 0, so m = 0.