Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
The slope of a nonvertical line is a number that measures how steeply the line is slanted (rise-over-run). If the line is the graph of the linear function f ( x ) = a x + b {\displaystyle f(x)=ax+b} , this slope is given by the constant a .
A simple way is by the pair (m, b) where the equation of the line is y = mx + b. Here m is the slope and b is the y-intercept. This system specifies coordinates for all lines that are not vertical. However, it is more common and simpler algebraically to use coordinates (l, m) where the equation of the line is lx + my + 1 = 0. This system ...
Slope illustrated for y = (3/2)x − 1.Click on to enlarge Slope of a line in coordinates system, from f(x) = −12x + 2 to f(x) = 12x + 2. The slope of a line in the plane containing the x and y axes is generally represented by the letter m, [5] and is defined as the change in the y coordinate divided by the corresponding change in the x coordinate, between two distinct points on the line.
A non-vertical line can be defined by its slope m, and its y-intercept y 0 (the y coordinate of its intersection with the y-axis). In this case, its linear equation can be written = +. If, moreover, the line is not horizontal, it can be defined by its slope and its x-intercept x 0. In this case, its equation can be written
where is the slope and is the y-intercept. Because this is a function of only x {\displaystyle x} , it can't represent a vertical line. Therefore, it would be useful to make this equation written as a function of both x {\displaystyle x} and y {\displaystyle y} , to be able to draw lines at any angle.
The intersection point falls within the first line segment if 0 ≤ t ≤ 1, and it falls within the second line segment if 0 ≤ u ≤ 1. These inequalities can be tested without the need for division, allowing rapid determination of the existence of any line segment intersection before calculating its exact point. [3]
The graph of such a function of one variable is a nonvertical line. a is frequently referred to as the slope of the line, and b as the intercept. If a > 0 then the gradient is positive and the graph slopes upwards. If a < 0 then the gradient is negative and the graph slopes downwards.
In two dimensions, the equation for non-vertical lines is often given in the slope–intercept form: = + where: m is the slope or gradient of the line. b is the y-intercept of the line. x is the independent variable of the function y = f(x).