Education Technology


Linear Functions: Slope Using Coordinates

Activity Overview

Students learn that the slope is ratio of change in y to the change in x. They find the slope of a line using the slope formula, and examine the characteristics of lines with positive, zero, negative, or non-defined slope.

Before the Activity

Install Topics in Algebra 1 (Chapters 1-4) App on the calculator using one of these two methods:

  • TI Connect™, a TI Connectivity Cable, and the Unit-to-Unit Link Cable
  • TI-Navigator™  "send to class" feature
  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 3-10 to 3-13 from the attached PDF file for your class
  • During the Activity

    Distribute the pages to the class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:

  • Determine if any set of three coordinates is collinear
  • Determine the correct method of calculating the slope of a line using the coordinates of two endpoints
  • Calculate the slope between two points using the slope formula
  • Link two calculators and use a grid to determine the slope of the line segments as quickly as possible
  • Use the calculator to find the slope of a line using the coordinates of two points
  • Solve additional problems
  • After the Activity

    Students will complete the Student Worksheet and analyze the results.

    Review student results:

  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary