Final answer:
To measure the steepness of a line, draw a non-vertical line, choose two points on the line, calculate the slope as the rise over run, and compare methods with a partner to confirm accuracy.
Step-by-step explanation:
To measure the steepness of a line, also known as its slope, in the coordinate plane, follow these steps:
- Draw any non-vertical line on a graph paper or coordinate plane.
- Select any two points on the line. Ideally, pick two points that are far apart to minimize any error in your measurements. For example, use points (6.4 s, 2000 m) and (0.50 s, 525 m).
- Calculate the slope using the formula slope = (change in y) / (change in x). This is also known as the rise over run.
- For the points (6.4 s, 2000 m) and (0.50 s, 525 m), the calculation of slope would be (2000 m - 525 m) / (6.4 s - 0.50 s).
- Simplify the result to find the line's slope, which represents its steepness.
Compare your method with a partner's method and see if you both get the same result. Understanding the concept of the slope is crucial because
it describes the rate at which the dependent variable changes with respect to the independent variable in a linear relationship.