How do you find the slope of an equation?


Quick Answer

Finding the slope of a line from an equation is simple. If the equation is already in slope intercept form, then the m variable is the slope. If it isn't in slope intercept form, rearrange the equation to solve for m, and plug in the given variables to find the slope.

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Full Answer

  1. Place the equation in slope intercept form

    The first step in determining the slope of an equation is to rearrange the equation in the slope intercept form. The slope intercept equation is y = mx+b, where m is the slope, b is the y-intercept, and x and y are points in the line.

  2. Solve for m

    If the y-intercept and a set of points are given, then solve for m to find the slope of the line. Plug the y-intercept, the x point and the y point into the slope intercept equation, and solve for m.

  3. Check the answer

    After solving for m, check the answer by graphing the line. Place the x and y points on a graph, and plot a point at the y-intercept. Connect the points to create a line. Check the slope of the line by choosing two new x and y points and plugging them and the y-intercept into the slope intercept equation.

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