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Slope of the Line Joining Two Points

We will discuss here about the slope of the line joining two points.

To find the slope of a non-vertical straight line passing through two given fixed points:

Let P (x1, y1) and Q (x2, y2) be the two given points. According to the problem, the straight line PQ is non-vertical x2 ≠ x1.

Required to find, the slope of the line through P and Q.

From P, Q draw perpendiculars PM, QN on x-axis and PL ⊥ NQ. Let θ be the inclination of the line PQ, then ∠LPQ = θ.

From the above diagram, we have

PL = MN = ON - OM = x2 - x1 and

LQ = = NQ - NL = NQ - MP = y2 - y1

Therefore, the slope of the line PQ = tan θ

                                                  = LQPL

                                                  = y2y1x2x1

                           = DifferenceofordinatesofthegivenpointsDifferenceoftheirabscissae


Hence, the slope (m) of a non-vertical line passing through the points P (x1, y1) and Q (x2, y2) is given by

slope = m = y2y1x2x1

 

1. Find the slope of the line passing through the points M (-2, 3) and N (2, 7).

Solution:

Let M (-2, 3) = (x1, y1) and N (2, 7) = (x2, y2)

We know that the slope of a straight line passing through two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) is

m = y2y1x2x1

Therefore, slope of MN = y2y1x2x1 = 732+2 = 44 = 1.


2. Find the slope of the line passing through the pairs of points (-4, 0) and origin.

Solution:

We know that the coordinate of the origin is (0, 0)

Let P (-4, 0) = (x1, y1) and O (0, 0) = (x2, y2)

We know that the slope of a straight line passing through two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) is

m = y2y1x2x1

Therefore, slope of PO = y2y1x2x1

                                 = 0(00(4)

                                 = 04

                                 = 0.


 Equation of a Straight Line









10th Grade Math

From Intercepts Made by a Straight Line on Axes to HOME




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