Question

Which word describes the slope of the line?

positive
negative
zero
undefined

Answer 1

Since the line, from left to right, is going upward, the slope is positive.

Answer 2

positive

Explanation:

The slope is the inclination of the line with respect to the x-axis. It is denoted by the letter
`m`. In mathematical language, the slope
`m` of the line is defined as the difference on the y-axis divided by the difference on the x-axis for two different points
`P_1(x_1,y_1)` and
`P_2(x_2,y_2)` on the line:

`m=(\Delta y)/(\Delta x) =(y_2-y_1)/(x_2-x_1)`

If:

• 
  `m>0` The slope is positive and the line is increasing from left to right

• 
  `m<0` The slope is negative and the line is decreasing from left to right

• If a line is vertical the slope is undefined

• 
  `m=0` is a constant function.

Since the graph of the linear function shown is increasing from left to right, we can conclude that the slope is positive.