How to Find Slope from a Graph Using Rise Over Run

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

This video provides a clear, step-by-step guide to understanding and calculating the slope of a line directly from a graph. It begins by introducing slope intuitively as a measure of steepness and direction, distinguishing between positive (uphill) and negative (downhill) slopes. The video transitions from the formal mathematical definition of slope (change in y over change in x) to the practical and memorable "rise over run" method used in most algebra classrooms. Through three distinct examples, the narrator demonstrates how to identify two points on a line, count the vertical change (rise) and horizontal change (run), and set up the ratio to determine the slope. It covers integer slopes, fractional slopes, and negative slopes, ensuring students encounter various scenarios. The visuals clearly highlight the grid counting method with animated arrows, making the abstract concept concrete. This resource is highly valuable for introducing linear functions in Algebra I or Pre-Algebra. It directly addresses common student anxieties about picking the "right" points by proving that any two points on a line yield the same result. Teachers can use this video to scaffold instruction, moving from visual identification of slope to calculation, or as a remediation tool for students struggling with the slope formula.