Question

The formula for the slope is generally known as (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1). Just out of curiosity, what difference will it make if I make the formula as (x2 - x1) / (y2-y1)?

Answer 1

Switching the formula to (x2 - x1) / (y2 - y1) gives the reciprocal of the original slope.

Step-by-step explanation:

The slope of a line is the difference in y-values (the rise) divided by the difference in x-values (the run) of two points on the line. The formula for slope is generally known as (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1). If you switch the formula to (x2 - x1) / (y2 - y1), it will give you the reciprocal of the original slope.

For example, if the original slope is 2, then the reciprocal slope would be 1/2.

Switching the formula does not change the meaning of the slope, but it simply calculates the reciprocal of the original slope.