Chapter 1, Problem 1CCE

Define the slope of a nonvertical line and give a physical description.

To determine

The slope of a non-vertical line and give a physical description.

Answer to Problem 1CCE

Solution:

The slope of the non-vertical line is $m=\frac{y_2-y_1}{x_2-x_1}$. The slope measures the steepness of that line.

Explanation of Solution

Given information:

Non-vertical line

Explanation:

The slope of a non-vertical line is the rate of change of the line.

If $\left(x_1,y_1\right)$ and $\left(x_2,y_2\right)$ are any two distinct points on the line, then find the slope of the line as the ratio $\frac{y_2-y_1}{x_2-x_1}$.

Thus, the slope is a rate of change in $y$ with respect to $x$.

For a non-vertical line, the slope can be positive, negative, or zero.

The slope measures the steepness of that line.